cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantity and economic importance of nine selected by-products used in California dairy rations.

Abstract Food processing representatives, brokers, nutritionists, livestock producers, and trade associations were surveyed to quantify 9 by-products used for feeding livestock during 1992 in California. The commodities were almond hulls, dried beet pulp, wet brewers grains, wet citrus pulp, pressed citrus pulp, wet corn gluten feed, corn gluten meal, whole cottonseed, and rice bran. The 9 byproducts contributed over 2.5million tonnes and about 27% of the total feed concentrate moved within California during 1992. Market value of these 9 byproducts was almost .25 billion dollars. Whole cottonseed accounted for about 31% of the total tonnage of these 9 byproducts and provided about 66% of the total CP and 53% of the total NE L of these 9 by-products. The by-products were more valuable as energy sources than CP sources compared with NE L from corn and CP from soybean meal, respectively. Calculations of milk production, based on the CP content or NE L content of the by-products, showed that these 9 by-products could have contributed sufficient CP or NE L for over 31% of the milk produced in California during 1992. Ration formulations demonstrated that the economic value of by-products changed with feedstuffs available and, in general, would be used in rations over a range of market prices.
Visualizing generalized semi-Markov processes

Generalized Semi-Markov Processes (GSMPs) are usually described by sets of variables, events and clock distributions. This kind of representation often lacks intuitive appeal. In this paper we propose a mapping from GSMPs to Event Graph Models. This mapping allows us to use an event graph to visualize a GSMP model as an intermediate step to implemcniation. By examining the event graph model, we can perform logic checking and verification more easily than if we try to interpret the GSMP description.
Phosphofructokinase-2/Fructose Bisphosphatase-2

6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFK-2/FBPase-2) is a bifunctional enzyme wherein a single polypeptide chain contains two enzymatic activities: PFK-2 and FBPase-2. PFK-2 catalyzes the transfer of phosphate from adenosine triphosphate to the second carbon (C-2) of fructose-6-phosphate (F6P), an intermediate in the glycolytic pathway, generating fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6BP). Conversely, FBPase-2 catalyzes the dephosphorylation of F2,6BP resulting in the liberation of free inorganic phosphate and regeneration of F6P. In this manner, these two physically linked enzymes function to modulate the cellular concentration of F2,6BP. The importance of this regulation cannot be understated as this sugar plays an essential signaling role in regulating glucose metabolism in a variety of tissues. Perhaps most importantly, it is largely responsible for regulating the balance between glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver. This balance, critical to maintaining blood glucose levels within the normal range regardless of the nutritional state, principally results from the fact that F2,6BP activates a key regulatory glycolytic enzyme, 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase, and inhibits a regulatory enzyme in gluconeogenesis, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase. In the liver, therefore, when F2,6BP levels are high, glycolysis predominates; when F2,6BP levels are low, gluconeogenesis predominates. In other tissues, F2,6BP levels mainly serve to help regulate glycolytic flux. By regulating the level of this phosphorylated sugar, PFK-2/FBPase-2 activities play a central role in maintaining glucose homeostasis and utilization.
Growth Dynamics in a Natural Biofilm and Its Impact on Oral Disease Management

Measurements of the microbial growth dynamics in natural biofilm communities are almost non-existent. In a recent study, the biofilm formation on teeth was examined. A previously unknown active per...
The electrowinning of copper from a cupric chloride solution

In this work, the Eh pCl diagram of the CuCl-H2O system was established, and the kinetics of copper dissolution in cupric chloride solution were studied with an emphasis on possible difficulties that may occur during copper electrowinning. The results were used to guide an investigation of copper electrowinning from cupric chloride solution.
Effects of ill-conditioned data on least squares adaptive filters

Sensitivity results are presented for the LS weight vector of an all-zero adaptive equalizer in an ill-conditioned signal environment. The ill-conditioned data results from severe amplitude distortion introduced by the data channel. Specifically, a theoretical upper bound for the relative change in the magnitude of the weight vector due to additive noise is derived as a function of the channel characteristics and equalizer order, and simulation results are presented which indicate the derived bound to be applicable over a wide range of equalizer orders. >
Implementing the Adams and Blieszner Conceptual Model: Predicting Interactive Friendship Processes of Older Adults

There is a paucity of information about the dynamics of friendships among older adults. To address this gap, the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (11) published an integrative conceptual framework for friendship research (Adams & Blieszner, 1994). Briefly outlined, it proposes that individual characteristics, as expressed through a behavioral motif, affect friendship patterns, and that friendship patterns vary by structural and cultural context. The purpose of this research is to advance to the next theoretical step and provide a partial operationalization of the model. This study surveyed 282 older adults, using random sampling techniques, to examine the relationships of older relocated adults. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine the relationship of personal attributes, patterns of daily life, and context to interactive friendship processes. Overt behavioral processes and frequency of contact were best explained by the model. Sex and class were related to interactive processes...
The GOBASE: an information management system for Gene Ontology

Recent research in biology has discovered that a large portion of genes that are responsible for core biological functions are conserved in most or all living cells. This has initiated development of, and emphasizes the importance of, common annotation facilities for biological knowledge, as features and functions of an unknown gene can be related to or inferred from those of a similar and well-studied gene. The Gene Ontology (GO), a collection of three ontologies each defining a specialization hierarchy of biological terms, has been an extraordinary focus of this effort. This paper describes GOBASE, a publicly-available graph database for query and visualization of GO information. There are existing browsers for visualizing GO information, but GObase provides a more powerful interface, allowing both interactive query and interactive annotation of GO terms with other data sources. We will focus on how GOBASE achieves interactive annotation and query and its tight interactions with backend databases.
Surface area ratios. II. A stereological method for estimating changes in average cell volume and frequency.

The study describes a stereological method for detecting relative changes in cells-with respect to their average volumes and to their frequencies within one cm3 of exocrine cells. The method is based on surface area ratios (Bolender, '1979) and can detect changes comparable to those obtained with the numerical density approaches (Loud, '68; Weibel et al., '69; Bolender, '74; Williams, '77). The new method requires only intersection counts- the same ones that are used for surface density estimates- and, as a result, avoids the difficult and often problematic procedures of the numerical densities. In analyzing the cellular changes in vitro, the choice of either a zero or timed control was found to exert a major influence on the results. Timed controls were required to “isolate” the experimentally induced changes from those Produced by the incubation medium.
Strategic adaptation of nitrogen management for El Niño Southern Oscillation-induced winter wheat system

The rainfall anomaly (RA) associated with El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has various unwanted impacts on agricultural system globally. The loss of inorganic nitrogen (N) depending on extreme wet or dry conditions is a major concern. The main objective of this study was to adapt site-specific N strategies to mitigate the effects of ENSO on yields of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; WW) system. After thorough calibration and evaluation, Decision Support Systems for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT, version 4.5) model suite was adapted. Seasonal analysis was used to compare the variability in simulated leached-N, N uptake, and WW yields under long-term historical real-weather conditions. The site X climate interactions and impacts of weather factors on WW yields were assessed across 60 growing seasons in three phases of ENSO: El Nino (EN), La Nina (LN), and neutral (NT). Based on RA, the simulated yields were lower during LN than EN (11 %) and NT (12 %) on coastal sandy-loam soils and higher during LN than EN (13 %) and NT (8 %) on heavy silt loam soils at valley. N strategy with basal of 22 kg N ha−1 + a split of 112 kg N ha−1 at Feekes (F) 4 stage of WW was adapted for maximum yield and minimum N leaching during LN at valley and NT at coastal sites. However, basal of 22 kg N ha−1 + two equal splits of 56 kg N ha−1 at both F4 and F6 was found as the most adaptable N strategy during both EN and NT phases at valley and EN and LN at coastal sites.
Preservice Teachers Teach Writing: Implications for Teacher Educators.

Abstract This study examined the perceptions of preservice teachers as they reflected upon teaching the writing process to second grade students over the course of one semester. Implications for teacher educators were identified based on the findings: Preservice teachers benefited from teaching writing on a consistent basis; preservice teachers learned and applied the course content in a highly individualistic manner suggesting that they also must be scaffolded in the learning process; and the design and organization of the field‐based experience was an influential variable in their learning. Effective components of a field‐based experience included working with a small group of students, teaching in groups of three, and receiving support and feedback from a variety of sources.
Autoregulation in the developing postnatal intestinal circulation

The relationships among perfusion pressure, blood flow, and oxygen uptake were determined in in vitro ileal loops from 3- and 35-day-old swine. Arterial perfusion of the ileal loops was achieved using a reservoir perfusion apparatus that allowed direct manipulation of perfusion pressure. The hematocrit, partial pressure of oxygen, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide of the blood used to perfuse the gut loops were standardized. During steady-state perfusion at an arterial pressure of 100 mmHg and venous pressure of 0 mmHg, ileal loops from 3-day-old swine demonstrated a higher blood flow (55 vs. 27 ml.min-1.100 g-1, 3 vs. 35 day old) and lower arteriovenous oxygen content difference (3.5 vs. 6.6 ml O2/dl). Oxygen uptake was not statistically different between groups (1.99 vs. 1.76 ml O2.min-1.100 g-1). During perfusion pressure reduction from 150 to 25 mmHg (in successive decrements of 25 mmHg), pressure-flow autoregulation was present in ileal loops from 35-day-old swine but not in ileal loops from 3-day-old swine. Similarly, tissue oxygen uptake was more effectively maintained in ileal loops from older swine during perfusion pressure reductions. We speculate that the efficacy of intrinsic regulation of intestinal hemodynamics and oxygenation is dependent, in part, on postnatal age.
Giant cystic schwannoma of the sacral spine.

A 30-year-old male presented with right radicular pain originating from his buttocks, traveling down his leg, with a right groin sensory deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural extramedullary lesion exiting the right S1 foramen and extending into a large exophytic lesion, measuring 9.6×9×13 cm, ventral to the sacrum (Fig. 1), with significant sacral erosion. Computed tomography-guided biopsy revealed a schwannoma. L4–S3 laminectomy and hemisacrectomy with gross total tumor resection and L3-sacroiliac fusion were performed to prevent sacral insufficiency fracture (Fig. 2) [1–5].
Equivariant K-Theory

This chapter is devoted to the fundamentals of equivariant algebraic K–theory. The reader interested mostly in the applications to representation theory may skip this chapter and use it only as a reference for later chapters. As has been explained in the introduction, most of the results here were proved by Thomason [Th1]–[Th4], sometimes in much greater generality. Our approach is however more elementary and in many places essentially different.
Post Second World War State Agricultural Policies in Bulgaria - Evolution, Implementation, Impacts

This paper analyzes evolution, implementation and impacts of state agricultural policies in Bulgaria during post Second World War years now. Firstly, it presents agricultural policies development during 1950s and 1960s (post war nationalization, cooperation of peasants, central planning and price control, support to agriculture) and its impacts on farming modernization and improvement of peasants welfare. Second, it analyzes reforms in 1970s and 1980s (concentration of farming in large agro-industrial complexes, experimentations with "economic" mechanisms of governance) and their effects on agriculture. Third, it evaluates policies during post-communist transition and EU integration, and their consequences for agricultural development.
Regulatory Regimes and Employer Organization: The Analysis of Postcommunist Business-State Relations

The interest group theories that link regulations and activities of special interest groups, predict higher levels of collective action to coincide with more extensive regulations. The fact that economic regulations and enforcement mechanisms may impose the costs on interest organization and thus diminish instances of collective action, however, has not been explored systematically. The evidence form twenty-six post-communist countries over the time period spanning from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s indicates that state regulatory institutions have a surprising effect on the formation of business associations. Conterintuitively, harsh regulations discourage the development of business associations, but lax enforcement of regulations, often linked to bureaucratic corruption, stimulates collective action. Contrary to the long-standing tradition of viewing industry associations as rent-seeking vehicles of protectionism and collusion, this suggests that the self-organization of business community is often driven by the need for non-state market-promoting institutions rather than primarily by rent-seeking.
Repeated Measures and Longitudinal Data Analysis

Knee radiographs are taken yearly in order to understand the onset of osteoarthritis. Troponin (which is an indicator of heart damage) is measured from blood samples 1, 3, and 6 days following a brain hemorrhage. Groups of patients in a urinary incontinence trial are assembled from different treatment centers. Susceptibility to tuberculosis is measured in family members. All of these are examples of what is called repeated measures data or hierarchical or clustered data. Such data structures are quite common in medical research and a multitude of other fields.
Early sexual activity among adolescents in small towns and rural areas: race and gender patterns.

Summary A 1987 survey of 758 eighth-grade students from three rural counties in Maryland revealed that 61 percent of males and 47 percent of females have engaged in sexual intercourse, and that 77 percent of black students and 40 percent of whites have ever had intercourse. A logistic regression analyzing the effects of race and gender shows that the odds that young black teenagers would have had intercourse are over five times those for whites, and that the odds for males are about twice those for females. The introduction of developmental, individual, academic and behavioral factors into the regression model has little effect on these odds ratios. Separate logistic analyses of four subgroups-white males, white females, black males and black females-reveal no consistent associations between sexual activity and the factors examined. For example, such types of problem behavior as cigarette smoking and use of alcohol or certain other drugs are associated with the likelihood of sexual activity, but the specific type of behavior involved differs by subgroup: Cigarette smoking is related to an increased likelihood of sexual activity just among white females, while alcohol consumption is associated with sexual experience among black females and white males only. Use of drugs other than marijuana or alcohol is linked to a 5-9 times
Scintigraphic, functional and conventional cross-sectional imaging of Ollier disease

1256 Learning Objectives 1. To present the bone scintigraphic and PET/CT features of Ollier disease with corresponding radiographic and cross-sectional imaging. 2. To highlight the imaging patterns of sarcomatous transformation of enchondromatosis. Originally reported by Ollier in 1899, this non-hereditary osseous malformation consists of multiple enchondromas involving frequently the pelvis and lower extremities. The enchondromatosis may be bilateral with one side predominance, monomelic or hemi-skeletal. Diagnosis is made early during childhood in patients presenting with asymmetric limb length, extremity deformities and masses from enchondromas. The lifetime risk of chondrosarcoma in Ollier disease is up to 30%. Malignant transformation of enchondroma to chondrosarcoma manifests with painful tumor enlargement. The authors present two cases of Ollier disease with multi-modality imaging, including technetium-99m MDP bone scintigraphy and F-18 FDG PET/CT, of enchondromatosis and its chondrosarcomatous degeneration.
Computing across the curriculum as a means of revitalizing undergraduate computer science: panel discussion

This panel will focus on ways in which the fundamentally interdisciplinary nature of computer science may be leveraged as a means of enriching the undergraduate curriculum, strengthening the major, and increasing enrollments at all levels.
Impact of a Ceramic Microchannel Heat Exchanger on a Micro Turbine

A highly effective recuperator with low-pressure drop is a key enabling technology to increase the efficiency of a micro turbine. To achieve a cycle efficiency above 40%, the average micro turbine would require a recuperator that achieves close to 99% effectiveness with a pressure drop as low as 2%. This paper presents the design and analysis of a microchannel heat exchanger that could be used as a recuperator in a micro turbine as an alternative to the currently used metallic primary surface recuperators that achieve an effectiveness of 90% at most. In the proposed design, the recuperator will be a counter flow, multi-layer design of parallel ducts with wall thickness of 50 μm and will be constructed with SiCN or a similar polymer derived ceramics, and fabricated using micro-stereolithography technology. Two designs, one having ducts with square cross-sections and the other with equilateral triangle cross-sections, are proposed and compared. For each design, the geometric parameters are optimized to provide the highest overall cycle efficiency while the volume of the heat exchanger is kept limited to 0.125 m3 and other cycle parameters are kept constant at typical values. For the square cross section design, the optimization process provides a design with an effectiveness of 0.961 and pressure loss of 2.86% that correspond to a cycle efficiency of 39.4%. The corresponding values for the triangle cross-section design are 0.983, 2.4% and 42.2%, respectively. Both designs are expected to withstand temperatures up to 1300°C in combustion gases. Special strategy is needed to fabricate any of these two microchannel designs by existing or proposed micro-stereolithography systems. One possible option is to make the complete heat exchanger as a bundle of identical smaller segments so that overall performance is not affected.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Comparisons of Smoke Components from Lamina and Midrib Cigarettes of Flue-cured Tobacco Leaves by Trimethylsilylation Method

Direct gas chromatographic determination of tobacco smoke was developed. Tobacco smoke condensate was collected on a glass fiber filter and the components were converted into their trimethylsilyl derivatives and then subjected to glass capillary column gas chromatography. By this method, all tobacco smoke components, including unstable phenolic substances and water-soluble polyhydroxy compounds, were simultaneously determined. Compositional differences between lamina and midrib smoke of flue-cured tobacco leaves were also clarified by the method. The results indicate that there are quantitative differences in nicotine, phenols, levoglucosan, quinic acid γ-lactone and the other major components between lamina and midrib smoke.
Paleomagnetic chronostratigraphy of late Holocene Zaca Lake, California

We have developed a paleomagnetic secular variation (PSV) record from Zaca Lake, California, that spans the last ~3200 years. The record is derived from detailed (2 cm) sampling of core 09-1C, whic...
Accident Investigations of an Incendiary Fire

Recently, more and more incendiary fire accidents happened annually, which have not only caused serious property losses, but also caused psychological panic and chaos. In this paper, an incendiary fire accident was used as an example for demonstrating the investigation process of the cause of fire via the combination of the usage of closed circuit television(CCTV), crime scene investigation(CSI), survey interview and technical analysis. This process provides useful reference for the fire reason identification by using CCTV.
Surgical Management of Recurrent Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a relatively rare neuroendocrine cancer of the thyroid, accounting for up to 5 % of all thyroid cancers in the USA. Unlike differentiated thyroid cancers, which arise from the follicular cells, MTC arises from the parafollicular, or C-cells, of the thyroid. As a result, MTC is not sensitive to radioactive iodine, and therefore, the initial surgical resection is critical for obtaining biochemical and anatomic control.
Adapted Developmental Assessment for Ages 18 Months to 7 Years (P3.268)

Objective: Neurodevelopment assessment measures typically are designed to address global developmental delay, but without sufficient provisions for children with significant visual, auditory, or motor impairments. This session describes a qualitative and criterion-referenced measure appropriate for children with significant visual, auditory, and/or motor impairments. Participants and Methods: Children ages 18 months to 7 years were seen in a convenience sample clinical neurology setting to set the ranges of the measure, to establish inter-rater reliability, and to address the goodness of fit between the measure the the resultant recommendations. Items in the measure were rated for suitability of use with children who have cortical and non-cortical visual impairments, children with hearing impairments, and children with significant hemiparesis, diplegia, hypotonia and hypertonia. Results: Interrater reliability was .89, items were selected for goodness of fit for the populations of interest (across populations), items were vetted for face validity, consensual validity, and construct validity, and results were rated for reliability in terms of (a) category of development, and (b) goodness of fit between findings and recommendations. Ratings on outcomes are pending. Parent ratings of comfort with the tool relative to other standardized tools are pending. Conclusions: The Adapted Developmental Assessment measure provides the neurodevelopment evaluator with a tool that allows for greater participation from children with significant visual, auditory, and motor limitations. It has a lower developmental floor than existing standardized assessment tools, it provides a means for children to participate who otherwise likely would be evaluated only with parent report measures, and preliminary results show that parents have a greater level of comfort with the measure and recommendations than those gleaned from existing standardized assessment tools that do not account for their children9s disabilities. Disclosure: Dr. Condie has nothing to disclose.
Finding homes for orphan enzymes

Summary The rate at which new genes are being sequenced greatly exceeds our ability to correctly annotate the functional properties of the corresponding proteins. Annotations based primarily on sequence identity to experimentally characterized proteins are often misleading because closely related sequences may have different functions, while highly divergent sequences may have identical functions. Our understanding of the principles that dictate the catalytic properties of enzymes, based on protein sequence alone, is often insufficient to correctly annotate proteins of unknown function. To address these problems, we are working to develop a comprehensive strategy for the functional annotation of newly sequenced genes using a combination of structural biology, bioinformatics, computational biology, and molecular enzymology. The power of this multidisciplinary approach for discovering new reactions catalyzed by uncharacterized enzymes has been tested using the amidohydrolase superfamily as a model system.
Learning a distribution-based face model for human face detection

We present a distribution-based modeling cum example-based learning approach for detecting human faces in cluttered scenes. The distribution-based model captures complex variations in human face patterns that cannot be adequately described by classical pictorial template-based matching techniques or geometric model-based pattern recognition schemes. We also show how explicitly modeling the distribution of certain "facelike" nonface patterns can help improve classification results.
Multi-planar Fitting in an Indoor ManhattanWorld

We present an algorithm that finds planar structures in a Manhattan world from two pictures taken from different viewpoints with unknown baseline. The Manhattan world assumption constrains the homographies induced by the visible planes on the image pair, thus enabling robust reconstruction. We extend the T-linkage algorithm for multistructure discovery to account for constrained homographies, and introduce algorithms for sample point selection and orientation-preserving cluster merging. Results are presented on three indoor data set, showing the benefit of the proposed constraints and algorithms.
Routine use of chest radiographs in the post-operative management of pectus bar removal: necessity or futility.

Background While there is literature on techniques for pectus bar removal, there are limited reports on post-operative management. This can include obtaining a postoperative chest radiograph (CXR) despite the minimal risk of associated intra-thoracic complications. This is a review of our experience with bar removal and lack of routine post-operative CXR.
Glassformer Fragilities and Landscape Excitation Profiles by Simple Calorimetric and Theoretical Methods

In this paper we introduce two key notions related to understanding the ‘glassy state’ problem. One is the notion of the ‘excitation profile’ for an amorphous system, and the other is the notion of the ‘simple glassformer’. The attributes of the latter may be used, in quite different ways, to calculate and characterize the former. The excitation profile itself directly reflects the combined phonon/configuron density of states, which in turn determines the liquid fragility. In effect, we are examining the equivalent, for liquids, of the low temperature Einstein-Debye regime for solids though, in the liquid heat capacity case, there is no equivalent of the Dulong/Pettit classical limit for solids. To quantify these notions we apply simple calorimetric methods in a novel manner. First we use DTA techniques to define some glass-forming systems that are molecularly simpler than any described before, including cases which are 80 mol% CS2, or 100% S2Cl2. We then use the same data to obtain the fragility of these simple systems by a new approach, the 'reduced glass transition width' method. This method will be justified using data on a wider variety of well characterized glassformers, for which the unambiguous F1/2 fragility measures are available. We also describe a new DTA method for obtaining F1/2 fragilities in a single scan. We draw surprising conclusions about the fragility of the simplest molecular glassformers, the mixed LJ glasses, which have been much studied by molecular dynamics computer simulation. These ideas are then applied to a different kind of simple glass — one whose thermodynamics is dominated by breaking and making of covalent bonds — for which case the excitation profile can be straight-forwardly modeled. Comparisons with the profile obtained from computer studies of the molecularly simple glasses are made, and the differences in profiles implied for strong vs. fragile systems are discussed. The origin of fragility in the relation between the vibrational and configurational densities of states is discussed, and the conditions under which high fragility can convert to a first order liquid-liquid transition, is outlined.
Seek and You Shall Find? An Observational Study of Music Students' Library Catalog Search Behavior

Abstract This observational study examined the strategies that music students used to locate scores and media items in an academic library's online public access catalog (OPAC). During a usability test, investigators tracked students' search strategies and behaviors, and measured their success in identifying appropriate items. Students experienced briefer, less complicated, and more successful queries for media items than for music scores (the latter of which they struggled to find and properly identify). Class standing, library catalog experience, and prior library instruction had no significant effect on positive outcomes. Searches for music scores were highly sensitive to variations in query wording, and students frequently struggled to revise their searches.
Characterizing Isozymes of Chlorite Dismutase for Water Treatment

This work investigated the potential for biocatalytic degradation of micropollutants, focusing on chlorine oxyanions as model contaminants, by mining biology to identify promising biocatalysts. Existing isozymes of chlorite dismutase (Cld) were characterized with respect to parameters relevant to this high volume, low-value product application: kinetic parameters, resistance to catalytic inactivation, and stability. Maximum reaction velocities (Vmax) were typically on the order of 104 μmol min-1 (µmol heme)-1. Substrate affinity (Km) values were on the order of 100 μM, except for the Cld from Candidatus Nitrospira defluvii (NdCld), which showed a significantly lower affinity for chlorite. NdCld also had the highest susceptibility to catalytic inactivation. In contrast, the Cld from Ideonella dechloratans was least susceptible to catalytic inactivation, with a maximum turnover number of approximately 150,000, more than seven-fold higher than other tested isozymes. Under non-reactive conditions, Cld was quite stable, retaining over 50% of activity after 30 days, and most samples retained activity even after 90-100 days. Overall, Cld from I. dechloratans was the most promising candidate for environmental applications, having high affinity and activity, a relatively low propensity for catalytic inactivation, and excellent stability.
Culturally Integrated Substance Abuse and Sex Education Prevention

Co-occurring problems of early and unprotected sex and drug use can lead to several adverse social, health, and academic outcomes for youth, especially those who reside within low-resource communities. Early adolescence (age 11–14) can be an especially vulnerable period for the initiation of substance abuse and risky sexual activity. Two significant changes occur during this developmental period: puberty and the transition to middle school. With puberty comes movement away from family toward peers for affiliation and social needs. Affiliation with delinquent peers may contribute to early and/or risky sexual behavior and substance use. The transition from the more protective environment of elementary school to middle school brings greater independence and increased responsibilities. Consequently, this is a developmental crossroads at which children may embark upon a high-risk path. Accordingly, programming that is aimed at preventing substance abuse and early and/or risky sexual behavior among middle school students is critical. Such programming is necessary to prevent the onset of behaviors that would otherwise likely continue into adulthood with devastating consequences for the individual and society.
5'-Degenerate 3'-dideoxy-terminated competitors of PCR primers increase specificity of amplification

Amplification of a product in PCR with specific primers may be viewed as an artificial Darwinian-type "selection of the fittest". In other selective systems, such as general evolution, immune system and probably brain cortex, the stringency of selection is not absolute but rather degenerate, with selection of many highly fit units, not limited, however, to only the fittest. In PCR also, annealing of the primers is not absolutely specific. The subsequent amplification frequently leads to amplification of not only the desired product but also to less-specific sequences. Using theoretical analysis of the degenerate mode of selection, we predict theoretically and prove experimentally that 5'-degenerate, 3'-dideoxy-terminated competitors of PCR primers can be used to dramatically improve the specificity of PCR amplification without affecting the quantitation of the final specific product.
Myeloid-specific deletion of thrombospondin 1 protects against inflammation and insulin resistance in long-term diet-induced obese male mice.

Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) is a multifunctional matricellular protein. Recent studies demonstrate that TSP1 is highly expressed in adipose tissue (AT) and positively associated with AT inflammation an...
The impact of implicit self-theories and loss salience on financial risk

Abstract The current research explores the influence of implicit self-theories on decisions involving financial risk. Building from research on self-signaling, we explore how loss salience impacts the relationship between an individual's self-theory and financial risk choice. We show that entity theorists are less risk-seeking under conditions in which a possible monetary loss is more salient (i.e. presented less ambiguously, Studies 1a and 1b). We demonstrate a reversal of this effect by showing that entity theorists are more risk-seeking when a possible loss is less salient (i.e. presented more ambiguously, Studies 2a and 2b). Study 3 introduces tolerance of ambiguity as a mediating factor in the relationship between implicit self-theory and financial risk-taking, such that entity theorists are more tolerant of ambiguity, leading them to accept more risk under conditions where loss is ambiguous. We conclude with discussion for self-theory research, transformative services research, managerial decision-making, and consumer well-being.
Assessment of Concrete Pavement Set Gradient Based on Analysis of Slab Behavior and Field Test Data

This paper discusses how the set gradient in a jointed concrete slab is related to the cracking performance and its effects on fatigue crack model calibration. The role of curing quality on-set and...
Methods for evaluating variability in human health dose-response characterization.

The Reference Dose (RfD) and Reference Concentration (RfC) are human health reference values (RfVs) representing exposure concentrations at or below which there is presumed to be little risk of adv...
The Successful Laggard in Judicial Reform: Romania Before and After the Accession

The case of Romania is certainly the most interesting for analysis of the interaction between the EU and national political and judicial actors. It provides clear evidence of how EU conditionality can be used instrumentally by national actors with the sole aim of obtaining the benefits offered by the EU without genuine commitment to the EU’s standards. The Romanian case is also paradigmatic of how EU conditionality dramatically loses efficacy once a country becomes a member. Many articles in European studies have analysed judicial reform in Romania, showing the just-mentioned limitations of the EU’s enlargement policy and, in particular, of its rule-of-law requirements (Pridham 2007; Noutcheva and Bechev 2008; Andreev 2009).
Cardiac Tamponade Secondary to COVID-19.

Abstract A 67-year-old woman presented with upper respiratory symptoms and was diagnosed with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). She was found to have a large hemorrhagic pericardial effusion wit...
Effects of the CMS’ Public Reporting Program for Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities on Targeted and Nontargeted Safety: Differences Between For-Profits and Nonprofits:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implemented the Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting Program in 2012, which publicly reports facilities’ performance on restraint and secl...
Muscle-specific deletion of the vitamin D receptor in mice is associated with diaphragm muscle weakness.

Vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with adverse pulmonary and diaphragm muscle (DIAm)-associated respiratory outcomes. We used a skeletal muscle-specific...
Reducing implicit biases in classroom discussions

Public Speaking, Survey of Communication Studies, Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication.This activity focuses on helping students (1) become aware of their implicit biases, (2) u...
Treatment of nail diseases in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND Although Americans seek care for their nail diseases on an outpatient basis, they also seek nail care in the setting of the emergency department (ED). PURPOSE This study aims to characterize the treatment of nail diseases at ED visits in the United States from 2009-2018. METHODS Data from 2009-2018 was collected from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for EDs. RESULTS There was an estimated 1.54 (95% CI [1.35, 1.74]) million nail visits to the ED from 2009-2018. Whites accounted for the most visits (57%), followed by African Americans (21%). 25-44-year-olds was the age group with the most visits. The South was the region with the most visits (33%). The most common diagnosis was paronychia (42%). Treatments for paronychia included oral antibiotics, incision and drainage, or both. LIMITATIONS The accuracy of reporting the correct diagnosis remains the biggest limitation. CONCLUSIONS Nail disease visits accounted for over a million visits to the ED from 2009-2018. All ages and sexes were represented in these visits. Paronychia made up the largest portion of visits and was treated with oral antibiotics, incision and drainage, or both.
Pilot clinical trial of a clinical meditation and imagery intervention for chronic pain after spinal cord injury

Objective To assess the feasibility and potential benefits of clinical meditation and imagery (CMI) for people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and chronic pain. Design Pilot randomized, controlled trial. Setting Outpatients with SCI in the United States. Participants 24 adults with chronic SCI (>1 year) and a >3 month history of pain rated ≥4/10 on average over the last week. Interventions 4-week program of once-weekly 2-hour group classes, offered in-person and online. CMI group participants were taught mindfulness, mantra meditation, and guided imagery practices. Control group participants received education on topics related to health and function after SCI. Outcome measures Pain interference (primary outcome), pain cognitions, pain intensity/unpleasantness, depressive symptomology, perceived stress. Results Pain interference decreased to a greater extent in the control group at both Day 42 and Day 70, with a large effect size (d > 1.0). Several secondary outcome measures showed changes consistent with more favorable outcomes in the CMI group at both Day 42 and Day 70, with a large effect size d > 0.80, including worst pain intensity over the last week, depressive symptomology, belief in pain as a sign of harm and perceived control over pain. Perceived stress improved to a greater extent in the control group (d = 1.16 at Day 42, d = .20 at Day 70). Conclusion CMI is feasible and acceptable to implement with people with SCI and chronic pain. Further study is warranted to assess potential benefits for pain-related outcomes.
A 1Gb/s energy efficient triple-channel UWB-based cognitive radio

A triple-channel BPSK UWB-based cognitive radio provides energy efficient 1Gb/s short-range connectivity by scavenging triple discrete inactive frequency bands in 3.1–10.6GHz ISM bands. The developed transceiver in 65nm CMOS achieves the minimum energy consumption of 59.7pJ/b with 1.97×10−4 BER. Die area is 4.6mm2 with on-die PLLs.
Twin and tweed microstructures in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ doped by trivalent cations

Computer-simulation techniques and TEM analysis were employed to study the dependence of the twin and tweed microstructures in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{M}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ on doping by trivalent atoms (like Fe, Co, or Al). Since the trivalent atoms substituting the bivalent Cu(I) atoms have a greater number of the nearest-neighbor oxygen atoms, it was suggested that doping can be described by the M-O nearest-neighbor attractive interaction. This interaction generates a local oxygen disorder which plays an important role in the formation of the tweed structure. The M-O interaction and the long-range O-O interaction (screened Coulomb and strain induced) were taken into account to simulate the oxygen ordering kinetics. The simulation is based on equations describing the microscopic diffusion of oxygen atoms. The obtained simulated microstructures are in qualitative and even quantitative agreement with electron microscopic observations for ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Fe}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ and with previous electron microscopic data. Both the computer simulations and the TEM results have shown that the usual twin structure, formed through coarsening and refining of the transient tweed structure, is produced at small doping (x\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\sim}0.08). At larger x(\ensuremath{\sim}0.08x\ensuremath{\sim}0.2--0.3), the dopant atoms prevent coarsening and a metastable (or stable) mesoscopic tweed pattern appears. Although the crystal lattice is locally distorted by ultrafine orthorhombic domains forming the tweed pattern, the average crystal lattice determining the diffraction spot pattern is tetragonal. At higher x, the ultrafine orthorhombic domains producing the tweed structure disappear and a disordered tetragonal phase is formed. It is found that doping does not affect the microstructure if the long-range model for the M-O interactions is assumed.
Sexing the Avatar

The present study explored the influence of avatar appearance on cyber-harassment in a virtual world. Specifically, this research examined how avatar gender and sexualization were related to the experience of sex- and non-sex-related harassment. An international sample of Second Life users (N = 216) completed an online questionnaire about their avatar's appearance and virtual world experiences. Objectification theory and the disinhibition effect were used as theoretical grounding for the study. Results revealed disparate virtual experiences for male and female avatars and indicated that avatar sexualization was related to experiences of cyber-harassment for female avatars. The implications of this research extend beyond virtual worlds like Second Life to other Web-based communication applications that utilize avatars.
The design and assessment of attention-getting rear brake light signals

This paper summarizes work intended to further characterize and develop rear brake light signals likely to improve driver reaction to hard-braking lead-vehicle events, emphasizing unique and novel approaches not previously studied. The work developed optimized signal lighting configurations, including specifications for LED signal approaches (flash frequencies, brightness levels, patterns), and performed field evaluations to assess eye-drawing capability of candidate signals for drivers who were looking away from the forward view. Results indicate that newer rear signaling designs can be very effective at drawing drivers’ eyes back to the forward roadway, and that flashing and brightness are two important signal properties moderating effectiveness (attention-getting). Remarkable performance gains can be achieved via use of LED signal approaches which both flash and increase signal intensity or lamp brightness.
Hearing Aid Dispensing Training Manual

The Hearing Aid Dispensing Training Manual serves as a resource for individuals if they are preparing to take a hearing-aid dispensing practical examination. As such, this text content is not for a...
Exploring the benefits of multiple injections in low temperature combustion using a diesel surrogate model

Abstract Advanced low temperature combustion (LTC) strategies are promising to achieve high efficiency and low emissions of nitric oxides (NOx) and Particulate Matter (soot). The thermal efficiency advantages are obtained through lower temperatures with reduced heat losses. A lower charge temperature and the sufficiently longer time available for mixing help to avoid NOx and soot formation zones. However, important shortcomings of LTC strategies include higher unburned hydrocarbon emissions and higher combustion noise. The present work investigates the use of multiple injection strategies to combat the above shortcomings in low temperature diesel combustion. Numerical investigations were carried out using a three dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) code KIVA-ERC-CHEMKIN to explore the benefits of multiple injections over a single injection. The physical and chemical properties of a typical American diesel fuel used in the present work were modeled using suitable surrogate components. The results show that significant benefits are possible with the use of multiple injections, including lower unburned emissions and lower combustion noise. The CFD investigations provide a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the benefits and are useful to suggest guidelines for further improvements.
Hope as a moderator of negative life events and depressive symptoms in a diverse sample.

Depression is a significant public health problem for young adults of college age, and negative life events exacerbate risk. Not all individuals who experience negative life events, however, report depressive symptoms, perhaps owing to protective characteristics. We examined one such characteristic, trait hope, a goal-oriented construct, as a potential moderator of the association between negative life events and depressive symptoms in an ethnically diverse sample of 386 college students. In support of our hypotheses, negative life events were significantly associated with greater levels of depressive symptoms, and higher levels of hope attenuated this relationship, such that those with greater hope reported fewer depressive symptoms related to potentially traumatic events. The moderating effect of hope did not differ across ethnic groups. Our findings have implications for managing the sequelae of negative life events, including depression. Cognitive–behavioural interventions tailored to help young adults identify and attain important life goals might help to overcome psychopathology associated with life stress. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.