cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hume on prophecy

Hume claims that his argument against miracles applies ‘without any variation’ to prophecies. While Hume's argument against miracles has been thoroughly examined in the philosophical literature, his claim that this argument works against prophecies has been left relatively unexplored. In this article I examine Hume's conception of ‘prophecy’ and I argue that it is flawed. I also argue, however, that Hume's argument against miracles does indeed apply to prophecies, but only if we amend Hume's conception of ‘prophecy’. I articulate and defend such an amendment.
Mechanical Contribution of Fiber Angular Distribution in Connective Tissue: Comparison of Two Modeling Approaches

Collagen fibers and their structural arrangement influence tissue tensile stiffness and strength. While a variety of modeling approaches incorporate collagen fibers explicitly as one of the components, due to the complexity of the fiber organization, aligned fibers are usually considered. In the pioneering work of Lanir [1], a constitutive relation for continuous fiber distributions was proposed, where the strain energy and stresses are obtained by angular integration (AI) of infinitesimal fractions of fibers aligned in a given direction. Lanir’s formulation has been successfully used to describe the mechanical behavior of a variety of tissues. In particular, Ateshian et al. [2] showed that large values of the tensile Poisson’s ratio for articular cartilage in tension and the low values observed in compression can be explained using a continuous angular distribution for the fibers. A disadvantage of the AI formulation is the large number of calculations required to evaluate the strains and stresses. On the other hand, Generalized Structure Tensors (GST) have been proposed to model tissues with continuously distributed collagen fibers [3,4]. These tensors are assumed to represent the three-dimensional distribution of the fibers. Once the tensor has been defined, the strain in the fibers can be readily obtained by multiplication with a strain tensor. The advantage of this approach is the small number of calculations required to obtain the strain energy and stresses of the fibers. As a result, this formulation can be efficiently implemented in numerical algorithms like finite elements. However, this approach is limited, as it is valid only when all of the fibers are in tension and when the fiber distribution is small [5]. A numerical comparison is required to quantify when an angular distribution can be considered acceptably small to justify using this more computationally efficient approach. The objective of this study is to numerically compare the AI and GST formulations to determine the range of values of angular distribution for which the GST approach can be accurately used.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The origin of metastable states in a-Si:H

Abstract Several different reversible metastable phenomena are observed in the electronic properties of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H). Examples are the Staebler-Wronski effect, defects induced by electron accumulation at an interface and by space-charge-limited current flow, and thermally induced changes in the density of states. We present the evidence that all these phenomena have a common origin. In each case the metastable effects are induced by changes in the Fermi energy position and are removed by bringing the electronic structure into thermal equilibrium at elevated temperatures. The structural changes that underlie the metastabilities are made possible by the diffusive motion of hydrogen.
Shadow-Hiding Opposition Surge for a Two-Layer Surface

Abstract A shadow hiding opposition surge, based on B. Hapke (1986,Icarus67,264–280), is derived for a surface consisting of an optically finite veneer of material over an underlying substrate. As done by Hapke in his photometric model, it is assumed that standard radiative transfer theory with correction for macroscopic roughness and a shadow hiding opposition surge provides an adequate description of the two-layered surface. The scattering properties of the upper layer are calculated using the doubling technique while Hapke's photometric model is used to describe the underlying layer. An adaptation of the doubling technique is used to calculate the scattering from the combined system. The model should have wide applicability in the Solar System and has been used with success to describe the polar regions of Ganymede (J. Hillieret al.,1996,Icarus124,308–317) as well as the equatorial regions of Triton (J. Hillier and J. Veverka, in preparation). Using this model, it is shown that extremely narrow opposition surges, as observed on many Solar System bodies, might be explained by a shadow-hiding model even for relatively compact surfaces if the particle size decreases toward the surface and may provide an alternative explanation to the coherent backscatter mechanism for the observed surges.
An integrated e-learning system for simulation-based instruction of anaesthesia machines

Not all learners learn in the same way and at the same rate. Learners' learning styles that reflect their cognitive abilities vary in known ways; some prefer the traditional text-based or oral presentation of content, while others learn more easily in a visual or kinaesthetic instruction style. Simulation has been shown to be an effective way of teaching abstract concept, principle and process in many application domains. In this paper, we have developed reusable, interactive, simulation-based learning objects and designed and implemented an e-learning system called Gator E-learning System (GELS), to deliver the learning objects to learners in an interactive, adaptive and flexible manner. GELS integrates a web-based Virtual Anaesthesia Machine (VAM) Simulation System and a Collaborative and Dynamic E-learning Service System (CoDESS) for the purpose of teaching medical personnel the functions and operations of anaesthesia machines as well the preuse check of anaesthesia machines in a simulation-based learning environment.
On Teaching about the Cultural Relativism of Psychological Constructs.

This article describes limitations of a Western, individualistic perspective on psychological theory and proposes a multicultural approach to the study of personality. The first part of the article summarizes recent research and theory regarding how personality may be differentially shaped by individualistic and collectivist cultures. The second part of the article describes strategies for teaching about the impact of culture on personality.
Inflammation and Native American medicine: the role of botanicals

There is a growing interest in medicinal botanicals as part of complementary medicine in the United States. In particular, both physicians and consumers are becoming aware of the use of herbals by Native American societies; many botanicals sold today as dietary supplements in the United States were used by Native Americans for similar purposes. Yet, these supplements represent only a small number of the >2500 different plant species from vascular taxa, and >2800 species from all taxa, known to have been prized for their medicinal properties by the indigenous inhabitants of the North American continent. We review some of the studies of the immunomodulatory activities of botanicals used by native peoples of North America, the bioactive constituents responsible for those activities, and the mechanisms by which these constituents might modulate the immune system. We focus particularly on 3 species of purple coneflower (ECHINACEA:) because of the widespread use of purple coneflower in the United States to boost immunity and prevent upper respiratory infections. Seven of the 10 most common botanicals sold in the United States were used extensively by Native Americans. However, there are very few data to support such use and even less information about drug toxicity or interactions.
Proton implantation in lateral IGBTs

The effect of proton implantation on the performance of n- and p-channel, 500-V lateral insulated gate bipolar transistors (LIGBTs) are studied. It is shown that proton implantation results in a better forward drop vs. turn-off time than conventional electron irradiation. Since proton damage is also more thermally stable than electron damage, proton implantation is a better choice in LIGBT optimization for minimum power loss. >
Dedicated Channels as an Optimal Network Support for Effective Transfer of Massive Data

Instantaneous fair sharing (IFS) is a traditional network ideal prescribing to share the network capacity among competing applications fairly during any infinitesimal time interval. In this paper, we argue that IFS is an inappropriate ideal for the application of massive data transfers where the primary goal is to minimize message transfer times. We propose an alternative paradigm of virtual finish time first (ViFi) scheduling that dedicates the entire capacity to one message at a time in the order of message finish times under IFS. Unlike shortest remaining time first and other earlier algorithms for dedicated scheduling, ViFi provides a remarkable guarantee of delivering each message no later than under IFS. Our analysis and simulations show the dedicated ViFi scheduling offers significant reductions in the average transfer time. The above properties make ViFi a promising approach for resource allocation in emerging dedicated-channel networks that enable advance reservation of end-to-end channels between hosts.
Egocentric recognition of handled objects: Benchmark and analysis

Recognizing objects being manipulated in hands can provide essential information about a person's activities and have far-reaching impacts on the application of vision in everyday life. The egocentric viewpoint from a wearable camera has unique advantages in recognizing handled objects, such as having a close view and seeing objects in their natural positions. We collect a comprehensive dataset and analyze the feasibilities and challenges of the egocentric recognition of handled objects. We use a lapel-worn camera and record uncompressed video streams as human subjects manipulate objects in daily activities. We use 42 day-to-day objects that vary in size, shape, color and textureness. 10 video sequences are shot for each object under different illuminations and backgrounds. We use this dataset and a SIFT-based recognition system to analyze and quantitatively characterize the main challenges in egocentric object recognition, such as motion blur and hand occlusion, along with its unique constraints, such as hand color, location prior and temporal consistency. SIFT-based recognition has an average recognition rate of 12%, and reaches 20% through enforcing temporal consistency. We use simulations to estimate the upper bound for SIFT-based recognition at 64%, the loss of accuracy due to background clutter at 20%, and that of hand occlusion at 13%. Our quantitative evaluations show that the egocentric recognition of handled objects is a challenging but feasible problem with many unique characteristics and many opportunities for future research.
East African earthquake body wave inversion with implications for continental structure and deformation

SUMMARY Source parameters for five African intraplate events are obtained from body wave inversion for the moment tensor. Parameters for the events are as follows: Location Date Mb Strike Dip Rake Depth Ethiopia 4/05/69 5.8 327.1 69.2 -45.0 4 Zaire 3/20/66 6.3 44.6 44.9 -81.5 10 Zambia 12/2/68 5.9 20.3 40.2 264.8 6 Zambia 5/15/68 5.7 49.1 39.8 263.2 28 S. Africa 9/29/69 5.6 123.5 89.4 -0.58 4 The Ethiopia and Zaire events exhibit normal faulting as would be expected for their rift zone locations. The 1968 May 15 Zambia event is unusual in that P-pP separation times place its focus in the lower crust (28 km) which may be below the brittle/ductile transition zone implying high strain rates. Inversion yielded a high angle normal fault. The depth and focal mechanism of this event, along with the mechanism for the 1968 December 2 Zambia event, suggest southwestward rift extension. Teleseismic long period vertical P-waves from the South Africa event exhibit distortions that may be attributed to lateral inhomogeneities in the source structure.
Apparatus for visual study of corrosion by hot water

The design and operation of a windowed autoclave suitable for studying corrosion of materials by pressurized hot water are described. The technique for taking time-lapse motion pictures of a specimen from the instant of contact with the high-temperature water until the corrosion is complete is explained, and a set of typical pictures is presented showing the progress of the attack. Pressure and temperature measurements provide a means for rough computation of corrosion rates, as is shown by the results of two tests of uranium specimens subjected to pressurized hot water.
A statistical analysis of the performance of the folsom plankton sample splitter, based upon test observations

The device for splitting a plankton sample into two approximately equal parts consists of a hollow cylindrical drum mounted to turn on a horizontal axis, and a vertical semi-circular septum cemented into place midway between the end walls of the drum. About a quart will fill the drum up to the axis. After rotating the drum until the septum is above, the sample is poured in. Then the drum is rotated until the septum splits the sample Lifting the drum and rotating a little more, the two separated samples are drained into containers of convenient shape for emptying and filling. Smaller samples are obtained by emptying one container into the drum. Thus aliquot portions of approximately 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, etc. of the original are obtained, and the process is continued until the sample is small enough for counting. In general the sample consists of a number of different kinds of plankters each of which is counted separately. Multiplying each count in themth fraction by 2 m gives an estimate of the number in the original sample. Each step in the splitting process is subject to random errors and possibly biased errors. Studies of these errors are based upon a series of test runs involving both volume measurements and plankton counts. The samples split were specially chosen to represent different types of plankton communities. The several types tested proved not to influence the results materially. Statistical tests involving distribution of χ2 and departure from the mean, of left and right portions gave convincing evidence that the errors were random. Thus, averaging separate counts would be expected to reduce the error. Researches on the magnitude of the error were based upon the law of propagation of errors of a product. Furthermore a study of the difference between the left and right samples as well as other investigations on the different sources of error have been made. The paper concludes with a detailed description of the device and a discussion of various aspects of the plankton problem, such as variability of distribution in the sea, tendency to occur in swarms, laboratory techniques, recognition of the different kinds of plankters and the practical value of instruments and statistical tests from the point of view of the biologist engaged in quantitative researches on marine plankton.
Clinical value of plasma soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor levels in term neonates with infection or sepsis: a prospective study.

Background. suPAR, the soluble form of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, has been identified as a biomarker of infection in adults but its properties in neonatal infection are not known. Methods. Plasma suPAR levels were determined by ELISA in 47 term neonates with infection (19 bacterial and 28 viral) and in 18 healthy neonates as controls. Thirteen out of 47 infected neonates were septic. In all infected neonates, suPAR levels were repeated at 24 hours, 48 hours, 3–5 days, and 7–10 days following admission. Results. Plasma suPAR levels were significantly increased in infected neonates upon admission, whereas they were highest in septic neonates, in comparison with controls and correlated positively with serum CRP levels ( ). At infection subsidence, suPAR concentrations decreased significantly in comparison with baseline ( ) but remained higher than in controls ( ). Receiver operating characteristic analysis resulted in significant areas under the curve for detecting either infected or septic neonates, but not for discriminating between bacterial and viral cause of infection. Conclusions. suPAR is a diagnostic biomarker of infection or sepsis in term neonates; however, it cannot discriminate bacterial from viral infections and also its utility for monitoring the response to treatment is questioned.
Growth phenomena and characteristics of strained InxGa1-xAs on GaAs

Abstract We have investigated the molecular beam epitaxial growth, structural and optical properties of InGaAs on GaAs. We have focused first on the initial stages of growth where the growth is expected to be under coherent strain and second on the nature of single and multiple quantum well heterointerfaces.
The Bromodomain as the Acetyl-Lysine Binding Domain in Gene Transcription

The bromodomain (BrD), a conserved structural module found in many chromatin- and transcription-associated proteins, is the primary reader of acetylated lysine residues on proteins. Since the discovery of this domain, the study of BrD-containing proteins has provided tremendous insights into many important mechanisms in chromatin biology and also shown that inhibitors of BrDs can be useful both as chemical tools in the laboratory and as therapeutics in the clinic. BrDs often function in concert with other similar modular domains on chromatin-associated proteins, creating a very complex system of epigenetic regulation that is currently under investigation by numerous researchers. In this chapter, we take a closer look at the structure and functions of the BrD, as well as its interaction with other chromatin-associated modules and its overall role in disease biology.
Charged particle motion in spatially varying electric and magnetic fields

The motion of charged particles in spatially varying electric and magnetic fields is studied using computational and analytic techniques. The focus of the work is determination of the circumstances for which an adiabatic invariant, defined as the ratio of the energy associated with the particle gyromotion to the local magnetic field strength, is a constant. When it is constant, this quantity is extremely useful in understanding particle motion in a range of applications. This study uses as an example the motion of positrons in spatially varying electric and magnetic fields typical in recent low-energy scattering experiments. The relationship of these considerations to other physical situations is briefly discussed.
Global Biodiversity, Biochemical Kinetics, and the Energetic-Equivalence Rule

The latitudinal gradient of increasing biodiversity from poles to equator is one of the most prominent but least understood features of life on Earth. Here we show that species diversity can be predicted from the biochemical kinetics of metabolism. We first demonstrate that the average energy flux of populations is temperature invariant. We then derive a model that quantitatively predicts how species diversity increases with environmental temperature. Predictions are supported by data for terrestrial, freshwater, and marine taxa along latitudinal and elevational gradients. These results establish a thermodynamic basis for the regulation of species diversity and the organization of ecological communities.
Presentation, management, and follow-up evaluation of infective endocarditis in drug addicts

Abstract Records of 97 episodes of IE in parenteral drug abusers from 1965 to 1976 were examined with follow-up obtained on most patients. Thirty-two percent had tricuspid regurgitation, 29% had aortic regurgitation, 25% had mitral regurgitation, and 13% had mixed lesions. Principal organisms were Staphylococcus aureus 36%, Group D Streptococcus 19%, fungus 12%, and Serratia marcescens 8%. Only one patient with a typical clinical picture of IE had multiple negative blood cultures, 28% of patients had surgical therapy with paravalvular leaks occurring in 50% and second infections occurring in 24%. Sixty percent of these patients died; only 16% of the deaths were perioperative. Seventy-three percent of patients had medical therapy alone with a mortality rate of > 70% occurring with Serratia , fungus, or aortic valve infection; most of these infections occurred early in the hospital course. Seventeen percent of medically managed patients had second infections. Surgical management produced immediate increased survival in hemodynamically severe IE, but long-term postoperative mortality was high in these drug addicts.
Low Earth orbit satellite-to-ground optical scintillation: comparison of experimental observations and theoretical predictions

Scintillation measurements of a 1064 nm laser at a 5 kHz sampling rate were made by an optical ground station at the European Space Agency observatory in Tenerife, Spain while tracking a low Earth orbit satellite during the spring and summer of 2010. The scintillation index (SI), the variance of irradiance normalized to the square of the mean, and power spectra measurements were compared to theoretical predictions based on the Kolmogorov spectrum, the Maui3 nighttime turbulence profile, weak scintillation finite-beam wave theory, included receiver, and source aperture averaging with no free-fitting parameters. Good agreement was obtained, not only for the magnitude of the observed fluctuations, but also for the corresponding elevation angle dependence and shape of the power spectra. Little variation was seen for the SI between daytime and nighttime links. For all elevation angles, ascending and descending, the observed scintillation over extensive regions of the atmosphere is consistent with log-normal statistics. Additionally, it appears from the results presented here that the nighttime turbulence profile for the atmosphere above the observatory in Tenerife is similar to that above Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii.
Spectral analysis of P‐waves at short range as an indicator of focal parameters

The approach to understanding the physics of an earthquake is still largely empirical. Representations of the focal mechanism by a system of forces acting at a point, by a moving point source, and by distributions of elastic dislocations have contributed to an interpretation of the distribution in space and time of the displacements produced by an earthquake. When combined with laboratory evidence of the failure of materials, these representations, or perhaps others not yet conceived, may lead to a coherent theory of the earthquake source. The applicability of analysis of the properties of seismic body waves in either the time or frequency domains in elucidating the characteristic of the source has been demonstrated by a number of investigators. In these investigations, the displacement or strain field at large distances has been the primary object of inquiry. Recently, some opportunities to observe in detail the behavior close-in to the source have arisen, for example, in the Parkfield earthquake, and important new insights have been gained.
Issues of Using Tactile Mice by Individuals Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired

Tactile mice, computer mice modified to have tactile pin displays on their upper surface, have been developed to enable access to 2-D graphical information for individuals who are blind or visually impaired; however, they have yet to really be adopted by the community. We suggest that this is due to the significant lack of accuracy in the haptic position information, which is critical for individuals to haptically piece together a 2-D graphic. We have identified two main design issues that affect this accuracy. Making simple modifications to correct these problems, we show a significant improvement in performance.
The role of histamine and serotonin during anaphylaxis in the mouse

Abstract Anaphylaxis was produced in female white mice and was associated with a high mortality. Death appeared to be due to respiratory failure. Histamine and serotonin analyses were done on tissues and blood after anaphylactic shock. No significant changes in serotonin content were found in in vitro or in vivo studies. Histamine, on the other hand, was found to rise in the lung of the sensitized animals during anaphylaxis. This finding suggests that histamine is released from some other site in the body and bound in the lung following antigen-antibody reaction. Thus, histamine appears to be of distinct importance in mouse anaphylaxis, while the role of serotonin is questionable. However, the entire phenomenon of anaphylaxis in the mouse is undoubtedly a very complex process, with many details still obscure. Changes in tissue histamine and serotonin were also studied after injection of these amines into mice which had received pertussis vaccine. The possible mechanism by which pertussis vaccine alters the response to histamine and serotonin was discussed.
C3 photosynthesis in Aristida longifolia: Implication for photosynthetic diversification in Aristidoideae (Poaceae).

Only a small percentage of plant species undergo C 4 photosynthesis. Despite its rarity, the C 4 pathway has evolved numerous times from C 3 ancestors, with as many as 18 independent origins in grasses alone. We report non-Kranz (C 3 ) anatomy in Aristida longifolia , a species in a genus of ca. 300 species previously thought to possess only Kranz (C 4 ) anatomy. Leaf blade transections of A. longifolia show widely spaced vascular bundles, nonradiate chlorenchyma, and few or no chloroplasts in cells of the sheaths surrounding the vascular bundle, all features indicative of C 3 photosynthesis. Carbon isotope ratios range from – 27.68 to – 29.71%, likewise indicative of C 3 photosynthesis. We also reconstruct the phylogeny of Aristidoideae, comprising Aristida , Sartidia (C 3 ), and Stipagrostis (C 4 ), using a sample of 11 species, including A. longifolia , and DNA sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region and the chloroplast rpl16 intron and trnL – trnF region. Sartidia and Stipagrostis resolve as sisters, and sister to this clade is Aristida . Aristida longifolia resolves as sister to the remaining species in the genus. C 3 photosynthesis is hypothesized to be ancestral in Aristidoideae, which means the C 4 pathway evolved twice in the subfamily — in Stipagrostis and early in the diversifi cation of the Aristida clade.
Derivation of closed-form spatial Green's functions for printed circuit structures with substrates and superstrates

A novel approach to deriving closed-form expressions for the spatial domain Green's function (vector and scalar potentials) associated with a horizontal electric dipole (HED) located over a thick substrate has recently been described. This technique is extended here to analyze a planar structure with both a substrate and a superstrate. The superstrate may form naturally on a printed antenna due to the weather conditions: it may also be deliberately introduced either as a protective cover or as a means to enhance the gain of a printed antenna by utilizing the substrate-superstrate resonances. >
Molecular epidemiology of rabies epizootics in Texas

Background: Texas is in the midst of two independent epizootics of rabies. involving coyotes (Cnni.~ lnrruns) and domestic dogs (Cunis/i,milirrrir) in southern Texas and grey foxes (Urocj~un cinerrour.jientetfr) in west central Texas. The domestic dog!coyote (DDC) and grey fox (TF) rabies virus variants cannot be differentiated by antigenic typing u,ith currently ;tvailable monoclonal antibodies. These two variants also cannot be distinguished from a third variant, Sonora dog (SD) rabies, that is not enzootic in Texas, but occasionally occurs in animals along the western border with Mexico. Obj~tives: To dete~mine a method for the differentiation of the DDC. TF and SD variants, which is essential for epidemiologic monitoring of the Oral Rabies Vaccination Program (ORVP). a program instituted to control rabies in coyotes and grey foxes in Texas. Stndy Design: Primers coniplementary to nucleoprotein sequence of either the DDC or TF rabies virus permit specific reverse transcription and amplification by polymerase chain reaction. In addition. general primers, which recognize a broad range of rabies variants, used in conjunction with a restriction digest for the differentiation of DDC. TF or SD rabies virus were investigated. ! Results and Conclosions: Of 122 specimens tested u,itli specific primers. 11 1 (91'14) were specifically identified as either DDC (33 samples) or TF (78 samples). Overly stringent conditions2 enzyme inhibitors, or litniting RNA may account for the I I non-amplifications, Amplification of RNA under less stringent conditions, with primers recogniz- ing a broad range of rabies variants followed by digestion with either restriction enzyme Desr,lfot!ihric rlrst~(t?ur-icons I (Ddel) or Hnr~mophilus infien:ae Rf. (Hinfl). was used to identify the I1 isolates that did not amplify u~ith specific primers (6 DDC, 4 TF and I SD). In addition to these I I isolates, the less stringeot method of amplification. followed by enzyme digestion has identified a total of 125 additional specimens (26 DDC. 94 TF atid 5 SD) that were not tested by variant-specific amplification. These data provide a lneans to track the spread of the different rabies virus variants and allow the ORVP to plan its vaccine disbursement by defining the two epizootic houndaries. C 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. Kej~wordr: Molecular epidemiology; Rabies; Rabies epizootic; RT-PCR; Wildlife vaccination
His Occupation: Safety and Fulfillment

Work is a central feature of adult life and may contribute to overall well-being or may cause disease, injury, or death. Recognizing its importance facilitates communication, helps to establish rapport, gives the clinician a sense of what matters to the patient, and offers the chance to reinforce safety and health. For some common health outcomes—low back pain and asthma—work may play an etiologic role or may exacerbate an underlying condition, and workplace modification may offer relief. In other instances, underlying conditions like obesity, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or chronic renal failure may impact how your patient would approach shift work or hot environments, as examples. Understanding the particular stressors of the workplace can help you provide your patient with the tools to address these and other risk factors. This chapter is a brief introduction to occupational safety and health, a neglected area of medical practice, and offers information about a variety of resources.
The Pathogenesis-Related Proteins of Plants

The pathogenesis-related (PR) or b-proteins of plants are a group of host-encoded, inducible proteins whose synthesis is often associated with certain forms of resistance to pathogens and stress (1–3). For approximately fifteen years following their discovery in 1970 considerable information was accumulated regarding the means of inducing these proteins and the correlative relationship of their synthesis with resistance. However, little was known about the mechanism of induction or the relationship of these proteins to other disease-associated proteins. In the past three years there has been a dramatic increase in our understanding of their structure, synthesis, location and, in some cases, their functions in plant tissues. The aim of this review is to, a) present a broad overview of the defense mechanisms use by plants to protect themselves against pathogens, b) place the PR proteins within this context and c) provide a comprehensive review of the current status of plant PR proteins.
What are We Teaching When We Teach about Religion

This article examines issues and difficulties with teaching and study religion in the university. Topics discussed include the distinction of religious studies and theology, the problem of apologetics in religious studies, and the role of the scholar of religion in relation to the subject matter.
Another Look at the Sports Preparticipation Examination of the Adolescent Athlete

The sports preparticipation examination can be worthwhile if the musculoskeletal system is examined carefully, with particular regard for the residual disabilities from previous injuries; this can be accomplished in a two-minute orthopedic examination done in addition to the usual physical examination. As many as 10% of young people may have abnormalities such as patellofemoral syndrome, incompletely rehabilitated ankle sprains, or tight hamstring muscles, which may result in further injury unless a rehabilitation exercise program is instituted.
The impact of delaying an easier unit in an introductory computer literacy course

This study investigates the impact of rearranging core topics in an introductory computer literacy course, specifically of moving an easier topic from the beginning of the course to the end. Our past experience has indicated that starting a course with material more familiar to students led them to develop expectations of an easier course and that they subsequently struggled to readjust when encountering the more difficult subjects. This study looks at six course sections taught by three different instructors in the new experimental order, and compares the results to previous, paired control sections. While this study indicates that students prefer the new ordering, there was no clear change in student grades.
Hemolytic Anemia with Hemoglobinuria

Hemolytic anemia with hemoglobinuria is frequently a striking clinical event indicative of extensive intravascular hemolysis. The condition lends itself to detailed study because of the morphologic abnormalities in the blood and bone marrow, the marked accumulation of hemoglobin and its derivatives in the blood plasma and urine, the aberrations of renal function incident to the hemolytic process and the variety of pathogenetic mechanisms which may give rise to it. During the past ten years we have had an opportunity to study carefully a large number of cases of hemoglobinuria; these are reported in this communication. Our cases do not include all the described varieties of hemoglobinuria, but direct attention to the types that occur in general civilian medical practice in temperate climates. They fall into four groups, namely, those presenting the Marchiafava-Micheli syndrome (paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria), those caused by drugs or cold hemagglutinins and an idiopathic variety. No attempt will be made in this paper to deal with the hemoglobinurias that we did not observe personally, such as hemoglobinuria of blackwater fever, favism, burns, bartonella infections, sepsis, snake bites, spider bites, syphilitic paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, myoglobinuria, march hemoglobinuria, hemoglobinuria following the intravenous infusion of distilled water or transfusions of incompatible blood or plasma and hemoglobinuria associated with the action of certain chemical agents. At the outset it is necessary to distinguish clinically between the hemoglobinurias and the larger group of hemolytic anemia without hemoglobinuria. In both, excessive destruction of red blood cells occurs, morphologic findings in the blood and bone marrow are similar and increased excretion of urobilinogen is the rule. The rationale for differentiation rests upon the probability of fundamental difference in the mechanisms of the hemolysis and, as discussed subsequently, the inapplicability of splenectomy in the treatment of hemoglobinuria. In some of the hemolytic anemias without hemoglobinuria the spleen occupies a cardinal position in the hemolysis. This is proved by the cessation of excessive hemolysis following splenectomy. In the hemoglobinurias, on the other hand, hemolysis is either initiated differently or proceeds in another location (e.g., the circulating blood), and the dominance of the spleen is not apparent. The hemoglobinuric states in which this concept is proved are: 1. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in which splenectomy does not stop the hemolytic process. 2. Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria due either to cold hemagglutinins or to syphilis; hemoglobinemia can be shown to be a local process occurring in the blood of the chilled part. 3. Incompatible blood transfusions.
Patterns of child care subsidy use and stability of subsidized care arrangements: Evidence from Illinois and New York

Given the prevalence of short child care subsidy spells and program churning documented in prior studies, researchers and policymakers have been concerned about the implications of discontinuity in subsidy receipt for the stability of children's care arrangements. Yet little research has studied the stability of subsidized arrangements or how subsidy discontinuity relates to changes in subsidized providers. Using child care subsidy program administrative records from a cohort of children in four diverse sites across Illinois and New York states, this study examines patterns of subsidy use and stability of subsidized care arrangements, as well as the relationship between the two. Results suggest that the length of states' eligibility periods is related to the duration of subsidy spells; however, significant variation in patterns of subsidy use within states suggests that local level factors are also important. Results show that subsidy discontinuity is related to children experiencing more total changes in subsidized providers. Focusing on provider changes across spells, we also find that the timing of subsidy exits, the length of gaps in subsidy receipt, and within spell provider instability are each related to whether or not children re-enter the program with a different subsidized provider after a break in subsidy receipt. We discuss these findings' implications for understanding how new program requirements established in the 2014 reauthorization of the Child Care and Development Block Grant may matter for subsidy continuity and care stability.
Analysis of the pathogenic spectrum in 1 739 cases of hand,foot,and mouth disease from 11 counties of Dezhou from 2010 to 2012

Objective To analyze the pathogenic spectrum in 1 739 cases of hand,foot,and mouth disease(HFMD) from 11 counties of Dezhou from 2010 to 2012.Methods Fluorescent quantitation PCR was used to test stool specimens for enterovirus,enterovirus 71(EV71),and Cox A16.Results Of 1 739 cases of HFMD,64.29% tested positive for enterovirus,25.24% tested positive for EV71,22.31% tested positive for Cox A16,and 16.73% tested positive for other enteroviruses.Cox A16 was the main pathogen in 2010 while EV71 was in 2011;Cox A16 was the main pathogen in 2012 and other enteroviruses(not EV71 or Cox A16) were not prevalent.Positivity for Cox 16 was highest,and this rate differed significantly(χ2=308.629,P0.01) from the rate of positivity for similar pathogens in other counties.Incidence was highest among children ages 2-3 years and lowest among children under 1 year of age.Incidence was highest from April to July and peaked in May: of 9 cases of severe HFMD,6 were caused by EV71,1 was caused by Cox A16,and the remaining 2 were negative for an enterovirus.Conclusion The pathogenic spectrum of HFMD is complex and dynamic,so monitoring of the prevalence of HFMD should be enhanced and prevention and control should be implemented before incidence peaks.
Effects of Heat Treatment on Nitrided Layer of H13 Tool Steel

The microstructure and hardness of the layer of H13 tool steel gas-nitrided in different heat treatment conditions were studied by X-ray,SEM and micro-hardness test.The results show that,the thickness of nitrided layer was 0.24 mm with a compound layer 10 μm,surface hardness was HV950(HRC67),for the specimen,which was nitrided after "quenching and twice tempering" and "quenching and three-time tempering".The compound layer mainly consisted of e-phase(Fe2N),γ′-phase and Fe3O4,and diffusion layer consisted α-Fe、e-phase(Fe3N),γ′-phase and CrN.However,the specimen nitrided after "quenching" and "quenching and once tempering" couldn't have a nitrided layer of comprehensive properties.
Effects of Planting Density on Growth Strategies and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Mentha haplocalyx Briq.

The main objectives of this study were to analyze the effects of planting density on growth strategies and photosynthetic characteristics of M.haplocalyx Briq.The results showed that:(1) the height,stem diameter,branch number,single leaf area and leaf thickness decreased with the increase in planting density.(2) The increase of planting density induced the decrease of chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate(Pn),while the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II(Fv/Fm) was unchanged.(3) The biomass of root,stem and leaf as well as the total biomass of single plant decreased strikingly and the biomass of population kept constant with the increase in planting density,but biomass allocation of single plant and population was similar.Consequently,we thought that high planting density could depress photosynthetic capacity by affecting chlorophyll content in this study;the M.haplocalyx Briq could compete for mineral nutrients preferential by enhancing the root mass ratio with the increase of planting density.
"Nature's mystery" on the painting study of Song Dynasty and it's Confucian theory source

"Nature's mystery" occupys an outstanding position on the painting theory of Song Dynasty."nature's mystery"is not only a thinking domain in the creation of China classical art,but also the profound meaning on multiple administrative levels.the essence meaning of "nature's mystery"sources from the "mystery"of original Confucian theory "book of changes","nature's mystery"on Zhuangzi theory develops the "mystery"of "book of changes",the Confucian school of Song Dynasty deepens the "mystery"."Nature's mystery" on the painting theory of Song Dynasty embodys fully the philosophy quality of "mystery".
Potentiation of Purinergic Neurotransmission in Guinea Pig Urinary Bladder by Histamine

AbstractPatients suffering from the inflammatory condition of interstitial cystitis frequently exhibit an increased number of mast cells in the bladder. To determine whether mast cell mediators have the potential to influence the neurogenic contraction of the bladder smooth muscle and thereby possibly contribute to the symptoms of interstitial cystitis, we examined the effects of histamine, a major inflammatory mediator of mast cell origin, on nerve- and agonist-induced contractions of in vitro strips of guinea pig urinary bladder. Histamine (10μM.) potentiated by more than 50% the nerve-induced contraction of bladder strips evoked by field stimulation with 0.5msec, pulses at 4Hz. Because the neurogenic contraction of the bladder is mediated by at least two neurotransmitters, acetylcholine (ACh) and ATP, we examined the effects of histamine on each of these transmitters. Histamine potentiated responses to the purinergic component of the neurogenic response (that part of the neurogenic response that remain...
Interpreting multimodal referring expressions in real time

Humans communicate about objects using language, gesture, and context, fusing information from multiple modalities over time. Robots need to interpret this communication in order to collaborate with humans on shared tasks. Processing communicative input incrementally has the potential to increase the speed and accuracy of a robot's reaction. It also enables the robot to incorporate the relative timing of words and gestures into the understanding process. To address this problem, we define a multimodal Bayes filter for interpreting a person's referential expressions to objects. Our approach outputs a distribution over the referent object at 14Hz, updating dynamically as it receives new observations of the person's spoken words and gestures. We collected a new dataset of people referring to one of four objects in a tabletop setting and demonstrate that our approach is able to infer the correct object with 90% accuracy. Additionally, we augment and improve our filter in a simulated home kitchen domain by learning contextual knowledge in an unsupervised manner from existing written text, increasing our maximum accuracy to 96%, even with an increase in the number of objects from four to seventy.
Resistance to Indiana’s Neoliberal Education Policies: How Glenda Ritz Won

The election of Glenda Ritz as Superintendent of Public Instruction of Indiana not only symbolized a reversal in K12 education reform, but also demonstrated how teachers, unions, and communities worked together to express their resistance to the neoliberal policies of then Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett. Under the administration of Bennett, Indiana had become a ‘trailblazer’ in the nation for an aggressive reform strategy that advanced school choice, an increased number of charter schools, punitive teacher evaluations, and the adoption of the divisive Common Core State Standards. This case study examines and documents the complex features of this election including how teachers and unions collaborated with their communities to demonstrate resistance to Bennett’s policies through various grassroots efforts. Data was collected from from primary sources and government documents. Additionally, the authors conducted interviews with Ritz and teacher union leaders, examined posts in social media, and studied archival reports from mainstream media.
Orthopedic Management of the Child with Multiple Handicaps

Orthopedically supervised therapy is designed to achieve two goals: the correction of an existing disability and the prevention of disability. Management of the child with multiple handicaps depends on a thorough understanding of the child’s multisystem abnormalities. The interrelationships between skeletal and nonskeletal problems will require different treatment of similar orthopedic problems in children with handicaps of dissimilar causes.
Engineering Considerations Applied to Starshade Repointing

Engineering analysis has been carried out on orbit dynamics that drive the delta-v budget for repointing a free-flying starshade occulter for viewing exoplanets with a space telescope. This analysis has application to the design of starshade spacecraft and yield calculations of observations of exoplanets using a space telescope and a starshade. Analysis was carried out to determine if there may be some advantage for the global delta-v budget if the telescope performs orbit changing delta-v maneuvers as part of the telescope-starshade alignment for observing exoplanets. Analysis of the orbit environmental forces at play found no significant advantage in having the telescope participate in delta-v maneuvers for exoplanet observation repointing. A separate analysis of starshade delta-v for repointing found that the orbit dynamics of the starshade is driven by multiple simultaneous variables that need to be considered together in order to create an effective estimate of delta-v over an exoplanet observation campaign. These include area of the starshade, dry mass of the starshade spacecraft, and propellant mass of the starshade spacecraft. Solar radiation pressure has the potential to play a dominant role in the orbit dynamics and delta-v budget. SRP effects are driven by the differences in the mass, area, and coefficients of reflectivity of the observing telescope and the starshade. The propellant budget cannot be effectively estimated without a conceptual design of a starshade spacecraft including the propulsion system. The varying propellant mass over the mission is a complexity that makes calculating the propellant budget less straightforward.
Defusing the Global Powder Keg

If we look at a map of the world and ask — Where is armed conflict going on? Where are populations growing fastest? Where is there the greatest poverty? — we discover that all maps coincide. Of the 120 armed conflicts taking place in 1987, all but four were in the so-called developing countries of the Third World. 1 Likewise, the highest rates of population growth are located in those same countries, and there also are found the lowest levels of literacy, of per capita income and of nutrition, and the highest levels of infant mortality and epidemic disease.