cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacterial and plant HAD enzymes catalyse a missing phosphatase step in thiamin diphosphate biosynthesis.

The penultimate step of thiamin diphosphate (ThDP) synthesis in plants and many bacteria is dephosphorylation of thiamin monophosphate (ThMP). Non-specific phosphatases have been thought to mediate this step and no genes encoding specific ThMP phosphatases (ThMPases) are known. Comparative genomic analysis uncovered bacterial haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) phosphatase family genes (from subfamilies IA and IB) that cluster on the chromosome with, or are fused to, thiamin synthesis genes and are thus candidates for the missing phosphatase (ThMPase). Three typical candidates (from Anaerotruncus colihominis , Dorea longicatena and Syntrophomonas wolfei ) were shown to have efficient in vivo ThMPase activity by expressing them in an Escherichia coli strain engineered to require an active ThMPase for growth. In vitro assays confirmed that these candidates all preferred ThMP to any of 45 other phosphate ester substrates tested. An Arabidopsis thaliana ThMPase homologue (At4g29530) of unknown function whose expression pattern and compartmentation fit with a role in ThDP synthesis was shown to have in vivo ThMPase activity in E. coli and to prefer ThMP to any other substrate tested. However, insertional inactivation of the At4g29530 gene did not affect growth or the levels of thiamin or its phosphates, indicating that Arabidopsis has at least one other ThMPase gene. The Zea mays orthologue of At4g29530 (GRMZM2G035134) was also shown to have ThMPase activity. These data identify HAD genes specifying the elusive ThMPase activity, indicate that ThMPases are substrate-specific rather than general phosphatases and suggest that different evolutionary lineages have recruited ThMPases independently from different branches of the HAD family. * HAD, : haloacid dehalogenase; TDPK, : thiamin diphosphokinase; ThDP, : thiamin diphosphate; ThiE, : thiamine-phosphate diphosphorylase; ThiK, : thiamin kinase; ThiL, : ThMP kinase; ThMP, : thiamin monophosphate; ThMPase, : thiamin monophosphate phosphatase
Use of a β-hCG discriminatory zone with bedside pelvic ultrasonography.

Study objective We seek to assess the performance of the β human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) "discriminatory zone" when using bedside pelvic ultrasonography in the evaluation of symptomatic pregnant emergency department (ED) patients. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of bedside pelvic ultrasonography performed on consecutive pregnant patients in the first trimester who presented to the ED with abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding. Patients received pelvic ultrasonography, serum β-hCG testing, and blinded formal radiologic ultrasonography. All patients were followed for 8 weeks to determine outcomes. The sensitivity and specificity of a discriminatory β-hCG level of 3,000 mIU/mL for the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy were calculated for patients without an intrauterine pregnancy visualized by bedside ultrasonography. Results Thirty-six faculty physicians performed bedside pelvic ultrasonography on 256 patients. There were 161 cases with a confirmed visualizable intrauterine pregnancy and 29 ectopic pregnancies. Bedside ultrasonography identified 115 intrauterine pregnancies. The range of β-hCG for cases of confirmed visualizable intrauterine pregnancy with a nondiagnostic bedside ultrasonography was 15 mIU/mL to 123,368 mIU/mL (median 6,633; interquartile range 1,551 to 32,699). For patients with nondiagnostic bedside ultrasonography, using a discriminatory β-hCG level of 3,000 mIU/mL to further assess for ectopic pregnancy showed sensitivity of 35% (95% confidence interval [CI] 18% to 54%) and specificity of 58% (95% CI 48% to 67%). Finally, the overall sensitivity of bedside pelvic ultrasonography for the detection of intrauterine pregnancy was 71% (95% CI 63% to 78%), and the specificity was 99% (95% CI 94% to 100%). Conclusion When bedside pelvic ultrasonography does not demonstrate an intrauterine pregnancy, serum β-hCG level is not helpful in differentiating intrauterine from ectopic pregnancy in symptomatic ED patients.
Parenteral use of medium-chain triglycerides: A reappraisal

Over the last two decades, the clinical use of intravenous fat emulsions for the nutritional support of hospitalized patients has become routine. During this time long-chain triglycerides (LCT) derived from soybean and/or safflower oils were the exclusive lipid source for these emulsions, providing both a safe calorically dense alternative to dextrose and essential fatty acids needed for biologic membranes and the maintenance of immune function. During the past decade, the availability of novel experimental triglycerides for parenteral use has generated interest in the use of these substrates for nutritional and metabolic support. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), long advocated as a superior substrate for parenteral use, possess many unique physiochemical and metabolic properties that make them theoretically advantageous over their LCT counterparts. Although not yet approved in the United States, preparations containing MCT have been widely available in Europe. Intravenous MCT preparations, either as physical mixtures or structured lipids, have been used clinically in patients with immunosuppresion, critical illness, liver and pulmonary disease and in premature infants. Despite great promise, the clinical data comparing the efficacy of MCT-based lipid emulsions to their LCT counterparts has been equivocal. This may be due in part to the limited nature of the published clinical trials. Measures of efficacy for parenteral or enteral nutritional products has taken on new meaning, in light of the reported experience using immunomodulatory nutrients. Current concerns about cost of medical care and resource use warrant careful deliberation about the utility of any new and expensive therapy. Until clinical data can fulfill expectations derived from animal studies, it is difficult to advocate the general use of MCT-based lipid emulsions. Future clinical studies with MCT-based emulsions should have clear outcome objectives sufficient to prove their theorized metabolic superiority.
A New Record for Cicindela scabrosa (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Cicindelinae) from Hardee County, Florida

The Florida Scrub Tiger Beetle Cicindela scabrosa Schaupp, a species precinctive to Florida, has not previously been recorded from Hardee County, Florida. Cicindela scabrosa is known from Alachua, Brevard, Broward, Dade, Highlands, Indian River, Levy, Orange, Polk, Putman, St. Johns, Taylor, and Volusia counties (Peck & Thomas, 1998). Cicindela scabrosa, once considered a variety of Cicindela abdominalis Fabricius, was raised to species rank by Choate (1984). The 2 species are generally similar in appearance, but may be separated (Choate 1984) by the presence in C. scabrosa of white apical lunule markings with small medial white marks and heavily punctured elytra, flattened white hairs on the underside of the abdomen and numerous conspicuous white hairs on sides of the pronotum (Fig. 1). Cicindela scabrosa was first recorded in
Wavelet based fuzzy perceptual mask for images

One of the characteristics of the Human Visual System (HVS) is to model the sensitivity of the human eye at each coordinate location in the image. This paper explores the use of fuzzy logic for building a non-linear HVS model for perceptual masking in wavelet domain. The fuzzy input variables corresponding to brightness, edge sensitivity, and texture are computed for each wavelet coefficient at different scales in an image. The output of the fuzzy system is a single value which gives a perceptual value for each corresponding wavelet coefficient. This paper proposes a novel method of constructing perceptual mask in wavelet domain using fuzzy logic.
Effects of Stress Path Rotation Angle on Small Strain Responses

AbstractThe results of experimental studies on the stress-strain behavior of Chicago glacial clays are presented and discussed. This paper describes small strain responses as a function of stress path rotation angle. Undrained compression and extension tests with three different preshear stress paths were conducted on high quality, hand-cut block samples obtained at two different depths from the excavation for the Block 37 project in Chicago. One preshear stress path was applied to investigate the stress-strain response representative of the in situ conditions via a recompression technique. The other two preshear stress paths were selected to isolate the effects of recent stress history such that the only difference between the two sets of paths was the direction of loading to a common effective stress condition. A period of drained creep at constant effective stress was imposed on all specimens prior to shearing to negate the possible effects of creep on the small strain responses. The results are discus...
Cytoskeletal Activation and Altered Gene Expression in Endothelial Barrier Regulation by Simvastatin

The statins, a class of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, directly affect multiple vascular processes via inhibition of geranylgeranylation, a covalent modification essential for Rho GTPase interaction with cell membrane-bound activators. We explored simvastatin effects on endothelial cell actomyosin contraction, gap formation, and barrier dysfunction produced by the edemagenic agent, thrombin. Human pulmonary artery endothelial cells exposed to prolonged simvastatin treatment (5 microM, 16 h) demonstrated significant reductions in thrombin-induced (1 U/ml) barrier dysfunction ( approximately 70% inhibition) with accelerated barrier recovery, as measured by transendothelial resistance. Furthermore, simvastatin attenuated basal and thrombin-stimulated (1 U/ml, 5 min) myosin light chain diphosphorylation and stress fiber formation while dramatically increasing peripheral immunostaining of actin and cortactin, an actin-binding protein, in conjunction with increased Rac GTPase activity. As both simvastatin-induced Rac activation and barrier protection were delayed (maximal after 16 h), we assessed the role of gene expression and protein translation in the simvastatin response. Simultaneous treatment with cycloheximide (10 microg/ml, 16 h) abolished simvastatin-mediated barrier protection. Robust alterations were noted in the expression of cytoskeletal proteins (caldesmon, integrin beta4), thrombin regulatory elements (PAR-1, thrombomodulin), and signaling genes (guanine nucleotide exchange factors) in response to simvastatin by microarray analysis. These novel observations have broad clinical implications in numerous vascular pathobiologies characterized by alterations in vascular integrity including inflammation, angiogenesis, and acute lung injury.
Characterization of AlInAsSb and AlGaInAsSb MBE-grown Digital Alloys

As one of the few Type I band offset, antimony-based material systems available for 3.3 to 4.2 micron mid-infrared multiple quantum well lasers, AlInAsSb alloys have been used as barriers with InAsSb wells. Previously, AlxIn(1-x)AsySb(1-y) quaternary alloys have been grown by MBE as random alloys up to an aluminum fraction, x = 0.10 on GaSb substrates and x = 0.15 on InAs substrates. Random alloy growth of quaternary films with increased aluminum content, although beneficial to the devices, is limited by a miscibility gap. We have used a digital alloy technique to grow stable, single phase, GaSb lattice-matched, optically smooth quaternary alloys for aluminum fractions of 0.05 to 0.5, well into the miscibility gap. DCXRD results show FWHM of 0th order alloy peaks are within 1.5 to 2 times that of the highly crystalline GaSb substrates and have well defined thickness fringes corresponding to the total film thickness and the digital alloy period. TEM images show very well ordered alloys with characteristic ultrathin superlattice structure having smooth interfaces, very little strain and atomic ordering limited to that imposed by the digital alloy technique. Photoluminescence measurements are used to fit a model for bandgap prediction from known alloy compositions. Theoretical studies have predicted that the addition of a fifth element, gallium, may help suppress Auger recombination through its effects on the subband structure. So, gallium is added to the quaternary to produce a quinternary alloy lattice-matched to GaSb. These AlGaInAsSb alloys have DCXRD and TEM results similar to the quaternary. The stable, single-phase growth of these quinternary alloys across the composition range is promising for improving the operating characteristics of mid-IR lasers.
Correlations of in vitro and in vivo hepatotoxicity for five haloalkanes

Abstract Five haloalkanes—CBrCl3, CCl4, CHCl3, and 1,1,1- and 1,1,2-trichloroethane (TCE)—were ranked for their relative hepatotoxicity in an in vitro system of isolated hepatocyte suspensions and in vivo by po administration of the test chemical to fasted rats of the same strain and sex as used for the hepatocytes. Cytotoxic parameters used for ranking in the in vivo system were GOT and LDH release, and the results were expressed in terms of EC50 values (the dissolved haloalkane concentration required to release 50% of the cell content of each enzyme after 2 hr of exposure) for rank determination. Cytotoxic parameters measured in vivo were SGOT and SGPT, and the ranking was based on ED50 values (the haloalkane dose that produced an above normal serum transaminase level in 50% of the test animals). With these parameters, the potency rankings in each system were the same except that of 1,1,1-TCE, which was more cytotoxic in the in vitro system than would have been expected from the animal experiments. Purification of the 1,1,1-TCE to remove stabilizers, use of phenobarbital-induced hepatocytes or hepatocytes from starved rats, and administration of the haloalkanes ip instead of po failed to improve the correlation. The discrepancy could be resolved, however, by factoring air:medium partition coefficient data into the EC50 values to take into account differences in the volatility and aqueous and lipid solubility of the chemicals, and hence their retention in vivo. These observations encourage the belief that isolated hepatocyte systems have value for ranking structurally related chemicals as to their cytotoxic potential, even though their mechanisms of action may differ.
Using Case Writing to Meet Diverse Agendas in Special Education

Through case-writing pedagogy, an approach to case-method instruction, early intervention-early childhood leadership students examined interdisciplinary perspectives, reflected, and integrated new content. Students explored leadership theories and researched current issues and trends in early childhood mental health as they engaged in a collegial, reflective process. Furthermore, students identified issues or tensions from their work settings and developed problem-solving skills, including defining and reframing problems. The interdisciplinary leadership institute and the specific features of the case-writing pedagogy are described. Teaching outcomes are discussed, including course evaluation results and a descriptive case study. Changes in students' personal and professional beliefs; dispositions regarding reflective practice and mental health; and connections between theory, research, and practice are provided. Applications to other contexts are discussed.
An improved technique for accessory papilla cannulation in pancreas divisum

Cannulation of the accessory papilla with dorsal pancreas ductography was accomplished in 13 of 15 consecutive cases of pancreas divisum. When routine cannulation of the main pancreatic papilla fails to produce a pancreatogram or yields only a ventral pancreas, the use of intravenous secretin and a 23-gauge needle catheter is recommended to facilitate accessory duct cannufation.
Lattice-based lexical cues for word fragment detection in conversational speech

Previous approaches to the problem of word fragment detection in speech have focussed primarily on acoustic-prosodic features [1], [2]. This paper proposes that the output of a continuous Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) system can also be used to derive robust lexical features for the task. We hypothesize that the confusion in the word lattice generated by the ASR system can be exploited for detecting word fragments. Two sets of lexical features are proposed -one which is based on the word confusion, and the other based on the pronunciation confusion between the word hypotheses in the lattice. Classification experiments with a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier show that these lexical features perform better than the previously proposed acoustic-prosodic features by around 5.20% (relative) on a corpus chosen from the DARPA Transtac Iraqi-English (San Diego) corpus [3]. A combination of both these feature sets improves the word fragment detection accuracy by 11.50% relative to using just the acoustic-prosodic features.
Biological responses of Bacillus stratosphericus to floating electrode-dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment.

Aims: Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma is used for sterilization of contaminated inanimate surfaces but seldomly optimized and depends upon the type of organisms and the plasma treatment duration, (net energy deposited) this efficacy varies. The proposed study was designed to see biological responses of one of the robust organism, Bacillus stratosphericus. Methods and Results: DBD plasma was applied over various durations to B. stratosphericus either surface-dried or suspension in de-ionized water, and viability, culturability, and viable but nonculturability (VBNC) were assayed using standard techniques. Depending upon the exposure of B. stratosphericus to DBD plasma resulted in three viability states, viable and culturable at low plasma doses and VBNC or disintegrated bacteria at higher plasma doses. Although organism’s respiration levels at relatively low levels, immediately after plasma treatment, over the course of 24- h respiratory activity was increased c. eight times (and found still nonculturable during colony assays). Conclusions: The loss of culturability is hypothesized to be induced as one of the responses to oxidative stress and it remains to be unclear if the response is temporary or indefinite. Appropriate plasma powers should be used to avoid VBNC-like status. 2,3-Bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay is a good alternative method to detect VBNC state. Significance and Impact of the Study: Bacillus stratosphericus has the potential to turn into VBNC upon plasma application, and XTT assay can be an alternative method to detect VBNC state.
Integrated group technology, cell formation, process planning, and production planning with application to the emergency room

In this paper an integrated approach for the formation of parts and machine families in group technology is developed. The integrated approach is used to solve cell formation, process planning, and production planning simultaneously. The given information is part processing sequence, part production volume, part alternative processing plans, and part processing times. The approach is used to determine the machine-part cells and part processing plans, while the total intercell part flow is minimized. Also, the convergence of the algorithm is investigated. The approach goes across and beyond the group technology methods by considering sequencing, production planning, process planning, and part-machine cellular information simultaneously. Two methods are investigated: exact (optimal) and heuristic. The approach first solves an integer programming problem to find processing plans and then uses a procedure to form the machine-part cells. The proposed approach solves the problem iteratively until a set of plans...
‘Total girlfriend experience’: examining marketplace mythologies on sex tourism websites

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic content analysis of sex tour websites to understand how sex tours are marketed to potential clients. A total of 380 web pages from 21 sex tour websites were reviewed. The sex tour websites sought to promote privacy and hassle-free travel with a local 'escort' and the opportunity for 'hooks-ups' with no strings attached. Three themes emerged around the description of sex workers: (1) enjoyment and complete acceptance, (2) a 'total girlfriend experience' and (3) exoticisation of the 'Third World' woman. The majority of the sex tourism websites used marketplace mythologies concerning racism, sexism and imperialism to appeal to sex tourists' desires for fantasy experiences, power and domination, and a renewed sense of identity. Legal and STI-related information was largely missing from the websites, and when it was included it was aimed at protecting sex tourists, not sex workers. It is of importance for researchers, social workers and others engaging with sex workers and sexscapes to recognise the power of language, cultural myths and framings and their ability to generate real-world social and health implications.
Iterative Classification for Sanitizing Large-Scale Datasets

Cheap ubiquitous computing enables the collection of massive amounts of personal data in a wide variety of domains. Many organizations aimto share such data while obscuring features that could discloseidentities or other sensitive information. Much of the data now collected exhibits weak structure (e.g., natural language text) and machine learning approaches have been developed to identify andremove sensitive entities in such data. Learning-based approaches are never perfect and relying upon them tosanitize datacan leak sensitive information as a consequence. However, a small amount of risk is permissible in practice, and, thus, our goal is to balance the value of datapublished and the risk of an adversary discovering leaked sensitiveinformation. We model data sanitization as a game between1) a publisher who chooses a set of classifiers to apply to data andpublishes only instances predicted to be non-sensitive and 2) an attackerwho combines machine learning and manual inspection to uncover leakedsensitive entities (e.g., personal names). We introduce aniterative greedy algorithm for the publisher that provablyexecutes no more than a linear number of iterations, and ensures a lowutility for a resource-limited adversary. Moreover, using several real world natural language corpora, weillustrate that our greedy algorithm leaves virtually no automaticallyidentifiable sensitive instances for a state-of-the-art learningalgorithm, while sharing over 93% of the original data, and completesafter at most 5 iterations.
Molecule-based Magnets: Magnets for the 21st Century

21 he use and control of magnetism has enabled the ubiquitous availability of low-cost electricity and electric motors (large and small), as well as the development of telecommunications devices (telephones (terrestrial, cell, satellite), radios, televisions, etc.), and also information storage for computers, among a myriad of other equally important common uses. Furthermore, magnets are ideal components for sensors and actuators and are crucial for the development of smart materials/systems in the future. Classical magnets are composed of atoms of metals (transition or rare earth) or their ions, (e. g., Fe, Co, CrO 2 , SmCo5, and Nd 2 Fe 14 B) and consequently have unpaired electron spins residing in d- or f-orbitals. The global 1999 production of magnetic materials is valued at $30 billion dollars with a projected growth of 10% per annum. 1 These magnets are fabricated by energy-intensive, high temperature metallurgical methods and are electrical conductors as well as being brittle. The latter half of the twentieth century has witnessed the replacement of many metal and ceramic materials with lightweight polymeric materials. This has been primarily for structural materials, but a growing number of examples are for electrically conducting and optical materials. Recently, new classes of magnetic materials based on molecules have been reported. 2 These new magnets are typically prepared at room temperature and benefit from organic syntheses methodologies that can lead to the controllable subtle modulation of the magnetic properties as well as the introduction of additional properties enabling the development of next generation magnetic and/or hybrid magnetic devices, 3 as has occurred in the areas of liquid crystals, electri
Die isolierte Lymphknotentuberkulose des oberen und hinteren Mediastinums

Aufgabe dieser Untersuchung war es, einen Anhaltspunkt dafur zu gewinnen, wie haufig und in welchen Formen zur Zeit in einem gewissen — hauptsachlich die alteren Jahrzehnte umfassenden — Ausschnitt der Bevolkerung isolierte, floride Tuberkulosen der Lymphknoten des oberen und hinteren Mediastinums ohne Lungen- und andere Organbeteiligung vorkommen. Die Ausheilungsstadien der produktiven Formen werden besonders berucksichtigt. Es ergibt sich, das sich durchschnittlich etwa in jedem 12. Falle bei der Sektion eine meist erst mikroskopisch erkannte floride Tuberkulose dieser Lymphknotengruppenohne sonstigen Nachweis tuberkuloser Manifestation findet. Dieses Zahlenverhaltnis gilt besonders auch fur die alteren Dezenien jenseits des 60. und 70. Lebensjahres. Vorwiegend und gerade in diesen Altersgruppen handelt es sich um produktive Tuberkulosen: groszellige Hyperplasien mit geringen oder fast fehlenden Nekrosen, dagegen oft fortgeschrittenen Vernarbungs-und Hyalinisierungsprozessen, Bilder der Sarkoidosis, an deren tuberkuloser Atiologie unseres Erachtens nicht zu zweifeln ist. Exsudative verkasende Formen sind viel seltener dabei. Da nur diese letzteren Formen makroskopisch genugend sicher bei der Sektion erfast werden konnen, entgehen die meisten dieser Tuberkulosen ohne systematische mikroskopische Untersuchung der Diagnose. Besondere Immunitatsverhaltnisse sind fur die gutartigen Formen der Lymphknotentuberkulosen vorauszusetzen. Man kann ein labiles Symbioseverhaltnis zwischen Wirtsorganismus und Tuberkuloseerreger annehmen, wobei jener gerade diejenige Antigenmenge von diesem laufend zugefuhrt bekommt, deren er zur Immunisierung gegen einen tuberkulosen Reinfekt bedarf. Durch interkurrente Erkrankungen oder sonstige Beeintrachtigungen des Wirtsorganismus wird dieses labile Verhaltnis zu Ungunsten des Wirtes gestort werden, wobei die produktive Form in eine mehr exsudative Form mit weiterer Ausbreitung und Streuung ubergehen kann. Hier liegt die Gefahr dieser Tuberkuloseformen und zugleich ihre praktische Bedeutung, die ausdrucklich betont zu werden verdient. Im umgekehrten Falle wird eine narbige Ausheilung der Lymphknotenherde erfolgen. Die systematische Untersuchung auf diese isolierten Lymphknotentuberkulosen liefert einen Beitrag zur Kenntnis des Umfanges der Durchseuchung der Bevolkerung mit Tuberkulose.
Natural infections of gibbons with a bacterium producing violet pigment (chromobacterium violaceum).

Reports of disease in man and animals due to bacteria in the genus Chromobacterium are rare. Moreover, case reports are often confusing because of changes in bacterial taxonomy. Prior to 1956, the pathogenic species of chromobacteria was referred to as Chromobacterium violaceum. Unfortunately, the seventh edition of Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology [1] reclassified the genus and changed the name of the mammalian pathogen to Chromobacterium janthinum. The next addition of Bergey's Manual, however, will revert to the traditional name of C. violaceum (P. H. A. Sneath, personal communication). The practice of reporting Serratia marcescens as Chromobacterium prodigiosum has created further confusion and is no longer acceptable. The chromobacteria are gram-negative, nonspore-forming microorganisms that produce violet pigment on most standard laboratory media; they are motile by means of polar or peritrichous flagella [2]. These violet chromogens are now divided into several species of psychrophiles which do not grow at 37 C and C. violaceum which does grow at 37 C [3]. Therefore, by definition, all reported mammalian infections with chromobacteria should be considered to be C.
Melting of Powder Particles in a Low Pressure Plasma Jet

A numerical model has been developed to predict the temperature profile of particles injected in a D.C. plasma jet. The equations governing particle melting were applied to spherical powders of binary model alloys. Thermophysical properties of the gas and the powder material have been taken to be temperature dependent. In the proposed model, the latent heat of melting was taken into account by introducing apparent enthalpy as a function of the fraction of liquid formed which can be derived from equations describing non-equilibrium melting. The temperature and velocity profiles of the plasma jet used in this analysis are for a free jet (without target interference) and were calculated using the parabolic Navier-Stokes equation with a K-E turbulence model. Correction factors have been introduced to take into account non-continuum effects encountered in the low pressure environment and the results show that both heat and momentum transfer between the plasma gas and the injected particles are reduced.
People analytics: How social sensing technology will transform business and what it tells us about the future of work by Ben Waber

Business analytics has become an increasingly important topic of interest for information systems and information technology (IS/IT) researchers and practitioners, for several reasons. The term big...
Campus Culture Wars and the Sociology of Morality

In 2014 Comparative Sociology published our analysis of microaggression complaints – a comparative and theoretical piece addressing microaggression complaints as a form of social control indicative of a distinct moral culture. The article attracted a surprising amount of attention in popular media, and with this attention came confusion and controversy. Here we respond to popular accounts of our work, addressing common criticisms and confusions as well as the sociological question of why the article produced such strong reactions. We conclude by clarifying the sociology of morality’s role in moral debates and suggesting ways that sociological knowledge can inform debate and guide reform.
Ritual practices and wrapped objects: Unpacking prehispanic Andean sacred bundles

Collections of objects wrapped in containers, called bundles, are known throughout the Americas. Drawing upon ethnographic literature, especially descriptions of bundle use in the Andes, this article unravels the social context and practices involved in the creation and deposition of an archaeological bundle. The author presents an analysis of a bundle offering excavated from within the prehispanic fortification of Acaray, located on the Central Coast of Peru in the Huaura Valley. Careful attention to the configuration of the bundle offering, the contents, and their qualities permits a sophisticated interpretation of the offering’s broader meaning. The assemblage and deposition of the bundles solidified social bonds among people and powerful spirits. Through the bundling of people and place (Acaray), the building of physical defenses, and the calling of animated selves for spiritual defense through bundle ceremonies, new identities were made, and the dangers of war could be unmade, in the Huaura Valley.
Osteonecrosis of the hip: summary and conclusions.

Abstract This concluding chapter provides a summary and overview of a complex topic. It reviews the current concepts regarding the etiology and pathogenesis and describes methods for the early diagnosis, staging, and evaluation of avascular necrosis. Treatment options are discussed, including the role of conservative or nonoperative management, the procedures designed to retard progression and preserve the femoral head, and the arthroplasties and other reconstructive procedures required after femoral head collapse.
ADSORPTION OF HYDROLYZED POLY-ACRYLONITRILE ON KAOLINITE

ABSTRACT Adsorption experiments were conducted by mixing homoionic kaolinite and C14-labeled hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (HPAN) in water and solutions of electrolytes. Langmuir type adsorption isotherms resulted. Exchange cations on kaolinite increased adsorption in approximately the same order as such cations reduce zeta potential, i.e. Th4+ > Ca2+ > Ba2+ >H+ >NH4+ >K+ > Na+. The anomalous increase in adsorption in the presence of polyvalent exchange cations suggested adsorption at the site of base exchange salt formation. Sorbed anions increased adsorption of HPAN in the order of electronegativity, i.e. F− >OH− >H2PO4− >Cl− >CH3COO− >NO3−. An increase in the concentration of electrolyte and acidity of the adsorbate medium increased adsorption of HPAN. This effect was apparently due to the reduction of electrostatic repulsion between HPAN and kaolinite and a reduction in size of the polymer coil. Divalent cations, especially the transition metals capable of being complexed by HPAN, were more effective than univalent cations. Dissolution of the clay lattice caused desorption of HPAN. HPAN adsorption reduced the intensity of the OH and O—Al—OH bands in infrared absorption spectra of the kaolinite. Preadsorption of aurintricarboxylic acid blocked adsorption of HPAN, suggesting that “positive spots” due to exposed lattice aluminum on edges of the clay platelets were adsorption sites.
Stock Market Anomalies and Baseball Cards

We show that the market for baseball cards exhibits anomalies that are analogous to those that have been documented in financial markets, namely, momentum, price drift in the direction of past fundamental performance, and IPO under performance. Momentum profits are higher among active players than retired players, and among newer sets than older sets. Regarding IPO under performance, we find that newly issued rookie cards under perform newly issued cards of veteran players, and that newly issued sets under perform older sets. Our evidence is consistent with the predictions of Hong and Stein (1999) and Miller (1977).
North Dakota: Flipping the Bird at the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Since 2012

Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) it is a federal misdemeanor to kill a migratory bird “by any means, or in any manner.” In 2012, three oil and gas companies operating in the Bakken region of North Dakota were charged with violations of the MBTA after dead and oiled birds were found in and around their oil reserve pits. In United States v. Brigham Oil & Gas, L.P., the companies challenged the violations by claiming that the MBTA applied only to conduct directed at birds, and not to lawful commercial activities that might result in the incidental death of birds. The District Court for the District of North Dakota agreed and dismissed the charges. This Comment argues that the motion to dismiss should not have been granted because the court’s interpretation of the MBTA’s scope is too narrow and runs counter to binding and persuasive precedent acknowledging that incidental killing is within the scope of
The Effects of Negatively Valenced Emotional Expressions in Online Reviews on the Reviewer, the Review, and the Product

The authors examine the effects of negatively valenced emotional expressions (NVEE; e.g., intense language, all caps, exclamation points, emoticons) in online reviews and reveal important boundary conditions for their effects. Specifically, Study 1 showed that NVEE directly promote review helpfulness and damage attitude toward the product when used by experts. In contrast, for novices, their use of NVEE was considered a poor reflection on them and failed to directly affect attitude toward the product. Further, attributions of reviewer rationality and trustworthiness were positively associated with review helpfulness and attitude toward the product. Interestingly, language complexity is a trigger to reverse the effects, as found in Study 2. For novices (experts), the adverse effect on trustworthiness is eliminated (introduced) but the adverse effect on attitude toward the product is introduced (eliminated) when they include more complex language accompanied by NVEE in their online reviews. Both studies uncover when source discounting is active for experts and novices, making them equally influential in some cases. Theoretical and managerial implications are provided.
The activation, proliferation, and differentiation of human B lymphocytes.

Efforts to evaluate normal human B cell physiology have resulted in the development of a model in which a resting B cell must progress through stages of activation, proliferation, and differentiation before becoming an immunoglobulin (Ig)-producing cell (1–4). Presumably each of these stages has specific signals, positive as well as negative, which control the nature as well as the intensity of the response. To evaluate the validity of this model, researchers have looked for reagents which act selectively at each of these stages. These include antigens, mitogens, soluble factors produced by various cell types, and various pharmacologic agents. In this review we will emphasize some of the studies performed in our laboratory on the various stages of B cell function in humans.
Social enterprise tree network games

We investigate the cost allocation strategy associated with the problem of providing service among network users residing at nodes of a social network. We assume that the social network platform is established in a symmetric complete network. There is a cost associated with each link and the service between any pair of nodes can be delivered via a directed path. The example of a cost efficient solution for such network is a (non-rooted) minimum cost directed spanning tree. The network cost should be distributed among users who might have conflicting interests. The objective of this paper is to formulate the above cost allocation problem as a cooperative game, to be referred to as a Social Enterprise Tree Network (SETN) game, and develop a “fair” and efficient cost allocation scheme. The SETN game is related to the minimum cost spanning tree game. The profound difference is that in the minimum cost spanning tree game the service is delivered from some common source node to the rest of the network, while under the social network platform there is no source and the service is established through the interaction among all participating nodes. The input to our cost allocation problem is the optimal non-rooted directed spanning tree SETN. We formulate several associated SETN games in characteristic function form. Then we construct a couple of efficient cost allocation algorithms that find some points in the core of those SETN games and thus result in subsidy-free cost allocations.
The Genetics of Wilson Disease

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal-recessive disorder of hepatocellular copper deposition caused by pathogenic variants in the copper-transporting gene, ATP7B. Early detection and treatment are critical to prevent lifelong neuropsychiatric, hepatic, and systemic disabilities. Due to the marked heterogeneity in age of onset and clinical presentation, the diagnosis of Wilson disease remains challenging to physicians today. Direct sequencing of the ATP7B gene is the most sensitive and widely used confirmatory testing method, and concurrent biochemical testing improves diagnostic accuracy. More than 600 pathogenic variants in ATP7B have been identified, with single-nucleotide missense and nonsense mutations being the most common, followed by insertions/deletions, and, rarely, splice site mutations. The prevalence of Wilson disease varies by geographic region, with higher frequency of certain mutations occurring in specific ethnic groups. Wilson disease has poor genotype-phenotype correlation, although a few possible modifiers have been proposed. Improving molecular genetic studies continue to advance our understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and screening for Wilson disease.
Treatment of advanced malignant lymphomas with bleomycin.

Bleomycin, a new antitumor agent reported to lack myelotoxicity, was administered to 43 patients with disseminated refractory lymphomas. Either a weekly or daily regimen was used and in order to minimize the possibility of pulmonary toxicity, the total cumulative dose limited to 5 mg/kg. In 37 evaluable patients objective > 50% responses were observed in 18 (49%). Three patients are still in unmaintained complete remission after 6-9 mo and a fourth relapsed after 13 mo. Myelotoxicity was conspicuously uncommon and serious pulmonary toxicity occurred in only one patient. Bleomycin has significant activity in the malignant lymphomas and its unique toxic properties make it ideally suited for combined use with other standard agents or singly in previously treated patients, particularly those with marrow depression.
Abstract 505: Specific Activation of the Ang all/AT1R-Jak2-Rho Kinase Pathway in Salt Sensitive but not in Salt Independent Hypertension: Clinical and Pathophysiologically Implications

In hypertension aortic (Ao) stiffness is a main determinant of increased systolic (SBP) and pulse- pressure (PP). Brachial and Ao SBP and PP often differ; Ao pressures predict cardiovascular events more accurately than brachial pressures. It is surmised that increased pressure-workload is cause and effect of Ao stiffening but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Rho Kinase is a master regulator of vascular tone and remodeling: In endothelium Rho kinase decreases eNOS expression and NO production. In VSMC Ang II/ AT1R specifically activates Rho Kinase via phosphorylation of Jak2 /Arhgef1 which phosphorylates (inhibits) myosin light chain phosphatase (MYPT1) thereby promoting vasoconstriction. Groups (n= 6) of Dahl SS (DS) rats fed either 0.5% or 4% NaCl diets for 10 weeks were matched with SHR of similar age (6 and 16weeks old) and SBP (147+8 & 211+7). Hypertensive DS rats, but not SHR showed increased Ao weight/length (17%, P Clinically the variable end-organ disease observed in individuals with similar severity of hypertension may be linked, at least in part, to genetically conditioned differences in Angll/AT1R, Jak-2 activation in response to high dietary salt. These novel studies extend and complement previous studies by us and others implicating abnormal bioactivity of NO and aldosterone in salt sensitive hypertension and unravel a new and intricate pathway in which Rho Kinase plays a pivotal role.
Post-acute care for children with special health care needs.

Abstract Background Almost all studies of post-acute care (PAC) focus on older persons, frequently those suffering from chronic health problems. Some research is available on PAC for the pediatric population in general. However, very few studies focus on PAC services for children with special health care needs (SHCN). Objective To investigate factors affecting the provision of PAC to children with SHCN. Methods Pooled cross-sectional data from Texas Department of State Health Services hospital discharge database from 2011-2014 were analyzed. Publicly available algorithms identified chronic conditions, complex chronic conditions, and the principal problem leading to hospitalization. Analysis involved estimating two logistic regressions, with clustered robust standard errors, concerning the likelihood of receiving PAC and where that PAC was delivered. Models included patient characteristics and conditions, as well as hospital characteristics and location. Results Only 5.8 percent of discharges for children with SHCN resulted in the provision of PAC. Two-thirds of PAC was provided in a health care facility (HCF). Severity of illness and the number of complex chronic conditions, though not the number of chronic problems, made PAC more likely. Patient demographics had no effect on PAC decisions. Hospital type and location also affected PAC decision-making. Conclusions PAC was provided to relatively few children with SHCN, which raises questions concerning the potential underutilization of PAC for children with SHCN. Also, the provision of most PAC in a HCF (66%) seems at odds with professional judgment and family preferences indicating that health care for children with SHCN is best provided in the home.
CRISPR-Mediated Tagging of Endogenous Proteins with a Luminescent Peptide

Intracellular signaling pathways are mediated by changes in protein abundance and post-translational modifications. A common approach for investigating signaling mechanisms and the effects induced by synthetic compounds is through overexpression of recombinant reporter genes. Genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 offers a means to better preserve native biology by appending reporters directly onto the endogenous genes. An optimal reporter for this purpose would be small to negligibly influence intracellular processes, be readily linked to the endogenous genes with minimal experimental effort, and be sensitive enough to detect low expressing proteins. HiBiT is a 1.3 kDa peptide (11 amino acids) capable of producing bright and quantitative luminescence through high affinity complementation (KD = 700 pM) with an 18 kDa subunit derived from NanoLuc (LgBiT). Using CRISPR/Cas9, we demonstrate that HiBiT can be rapidly and efficiently integrated into the genome to serve as a reporter tag for endogenous proteins. Witho...
Enhancement of electrocaloric response through quantum effects

A semiclassical approach that incorporates quantum mechanical behavior of heat capacity in direct caloric effect simulations is proposed. Application of this methodology to study the electrocaloric effect in prototypical ferroelectrics ${\mathrm{PbTiO}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{BaTiO}}_{3}$ reveals severe underestimation of electrocaloric response at lowest temperatures by classical simulations. The discrepancy between semiclassical and classical results is found to be largest in ferroics with Debye temperature exceeding the Curie point. A route to enhance the electrocaloric effect by tuning the Debye temperature in composite materials is proposed.
Constraining transfer cross sections using Bayes' theorem

Background: Being able to rigorously quantify the uncertainties in reaction models is crucial to moving this field forward. Even though Bayesian methods are becoming increasingly popular in nuclear theory, they have yet to be implemented and applied in reaction theory problems.Purpose: The purpose of this work is to investigate, using Bayesian methods, the uncertainties in the optical potentials generated from fits to elastic-scattering data and the subsequent uncertainties in the transfer predictions. We also study the differences in two reaction models where the parameters are constrained in a similar manner, as well as the impact of reducing the experimental error bars on the data used to constrain the parameters.Method: We use Bayes' theorem combined with a Markov chain Monte Carlo to determine posterior distributions for the parameters of the optical model, constrained by neutron-, proton-, and/or deuteron-target elastic scattering. These potentials are then used to predict transfer cross sections within the adiabatic wave approximation or the distorted-wave Born approximation.Results: We study a number of reactions involving deuteron projectiles with energies in the range 10--25 MeV/nucleon on targets with mass $A=48$--208. The case of $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}(d,p)^{49}\mathrm{Ca}$ transfer to the ground state is described in detail. A comparative study of the effect of the size of experimental errors is also performed. Five transfer reactions are studied, and their results are compiled in order to systematically identify trends.Conclusions: Uncertainties in transfer cross sections can vary significantly (25--100 %) depending on the reaction. While these uncertainties are reduced when smaller experimental error bars are used to constrain the potentials, this reduction is not trivially related to the error reduction. We also find smaller uncertainties when using the adiabatic formulation than when using the distorted-wave Born approximation.
Triangles and Proofs

This is our third chapter concerned with the subject of triangles, but with a difference. The earlier chapters were concerned with the impact of computers on triangle geometry, whereas here we will go back to basics, taking a new look at some very classical topics.
Criteria Necessary for a Successful and Reliable Swallow Screen

To discuss the criteria necessary for a swallow screen and why timely swallow screening with a reliable and validated screen as exemplified by the Yale Swallow Protocol is important.