cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and Testing of Coupled Steel Plate Shear Walls

The coupled steel plate shear wall (C-SPSW) system is emerging as a promising configuration for resisting lateral loads in high seismic regions. A C-SPSW is composed of two wall piers, which are special steel plate shear walls (SPSW), joined at the floor levels by coupling beams. The C-SPSW configuration is expected to retain the benefits of the conventional SPSW configuration and provide additional structural efficiency while introducing greater flexibility related to building services and function. However, current provisions do not address analysis and design of CSPSWs and further research is needed to develop these guidelines. As part of a multiinstitution NEESR project on steel plate shear walls, this research explores design procedures for C-SPSW, which build on current provisions for conventional SPSWs. These design procedures are evaluated in the context of a six-story prototype structure. The response of the prototype structure under static loading is studied using numerical models to investigate behavior and performance and to evaluate design procedures. To further study C-SPSW behavior and to validate the design procedures, a large-scale subassembly is being developed for laboratory testing. The preliminary experimental setup and specimen design are described here.
ConFiRM-DRTS: a certification framework for dynamic resource management in distributed real-time systems

In this paper, we propose an integrated framework for certifying dynamic resource management architecture and associated algorithms in distributed real-time and embedded systems. This paper is in response to a call for solution to challenge problem at the WPDRTS 2003. The proposed solution attempts to address the certification problem from two angles: (1) how to certify a given system; (2) design for certifiability. Toward solving the problem, the framework identifies some key techniques and tools that are mathematically provable and others that are ad-hoc in nature for verifying the key properties of the system. We discuss each technique in detail and also provide a case study focusing on design for certifiability aspect.
Faith-Based Health Education Project: A Case Study

Working with faith communities in health promotion is widely acclaimed and yet not readily practiced. This article describes a study conducted among four faith communities to determine the process required for sustainable faith-based programs. Face-to-face interviews were conducted among 12 community volunteers who participated to identify their perceptions of the project. Two staff members were also interviewed to identify the process from their perspectives. Project-related documents were also analyzed to provide details and triangulate the data from the interviews. The study followed the project for 2 ½ years. Several factors were identified as significant influences on participation and project sustainability. These included value, active pastoral support, program success, and volunteer commitment. The results of this study indicate that pastoral support and faith community ownership are critical components that should be included in faith-based community building efforts.
Effects of glass structure on the corrosion behavior of sodium-aluminosilicate glasses

The leaching and dissolution behavior of two sodium-aluminosilicate glasses, with structures containing one versus five non-bridging oxygen sites per 10 tetrahedra, is discussed for both acid (pH 2) and base (pH 9) reactions. The soda concentration was held constant at 25 mol%. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared reflection spectroscopy have been used to determine the composition and structure of the reacted glass surfaces. The glass with five NBO sites per 10 tetrahedra exhibits extensive surface layer formation in both acid and base. Conversely, the glass with one NBO site per 10 tetrahedra exhibits total dissolution in acid; in base, this glass is essentially unreactive.
Analysis of affinely parameter-varying systems using parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions

Stability and performance of linear parameter-varying systems whose parameters appear affinely are considered. Parameter dependent Lyapunov functions and the S-procedure are used to derive convex conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMI) that guarantee stability and an induced L/sub 2/ norm bound for all allowable parameter variations. In each case, the parameter dependence is eliminated from the LMI so that no parameter gridding is required to verify the condition. The new analysis technique is an improvement over existing results that require LMI to be evaluated over a dense grid of parameter values.
A Longitudinal Study of Pubertal Timing, Parent-Child Conflict, and Cohesion in Families of Young Adolescents With Spina Bifida

Objective: To study longitudinal associations between perceived pubertal timing and family conflict and cohesion during the transition to adolescence in 68 families of children with spina bifida and 68 matched families with able-bodied children. Children were 8 or 9 years old at Time 1 and 10 or 11 years old at Time 2. Methods: Family conflict and cohesion were assessed with observational data and maternal, paternal, and child reports on questionnaires. Perceived pubertal timing was assessed with maternal report. Results: Consistent with the literature on typically developing young adolescents, prospective longitudinal analyses revealed that early maturity was associated with higher levels of conflict and decreases in cohesion in families with able-bodied children. Contrary to these findings, perceived pubertal timing had less of an impact (or the opposite impact) in families of children with spina bifida. Findings were robust across respondents and methods of data collection. Conclusions: Findings based on multimethod and multisource data suggest that familial response to developmental change differs across context (spina bifida vs. able-bodied). Possible reasons for differential responses to the adolescent transition are reviewed. Services are likely to be enhanced if health professionals routinely discuss adolescent developmental issues with parents and youths during clinic visits.
Preliminary assessment of the effectiveness of enhanced external counter pulsation on heart rate variability for heart failure patients

In this study the effect of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) on heart rate variability (HRV) during enhanced external counter pulsation (EECP) for heart failure patients was assessed. It is well understood that the ECG waveform windows the activity of the autonomic nervous system, which is quantified by determining the parameters such as low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) power. As the treatment progressed an increase in the HF, post treatment was observed. The preliminary results suggest that EECP treatment initiates an increase in vagal activity, with the most notable increase occurring between the third and fifth week period of the treatment.
Modeling Dopant Diffusion in Gallium Arsenide

We have been developing models for our process simulators, SUPREM 3.5 and SUPREM-IV, for processes used in the fabrication of GaAs devices. Our initial experiments led to relatively simple models for diffusion of common dopants in GaAs, usually dependent only on temperature and the local dopant or carrier concentration. These models were incorporated into our first GaAs simulator, SUPREM 3.5. While these simple models were adequate for some process conditions, there are many cases where anomalous diffusion occurs and these models break down. The generally accepted diffusion mechanisms for n- and p-type dopants in GaAs have been shown to be the same as, or indistinguishable from, the models used for diffusion in silicon, and are therefore compatible with the diffusion algorithms used in SUPREM-IV. These algorithms include the effects of point defects. GaAs and eight of its dopants have recently been incorporated into SUPREM-IV and we have modeled, or are attempting to model, many of the anomalous diffusion phenomena using this simulator. These phenomena include uphill diffusion of implanted dopants, time dependent diffusion, implant energy dependent diffusion, and abnormal diffusion of grown-in dopants in MBE and MOCVD material.
“That’s What She Said”: Gender, Satire, and the American Workplace on the Sitcom The Office

Entertainment programming such as the television satire The Office relies upon audience members’ understanding of both Western gender norms and stereotypes as well as corporate codes of behavior an...
Gene Patents Under Fire: Weighing the Costs and Benefits

Gene patents form the intellectual property platform for companies to translate biomedical research into life-saving therapeutic and diagnostic agents. These patents are also controversial, with critics charging that gene patents are unjustified, and they substantially impede research and access to genetic diagnostic testing. Myriad Genetics, the exclusive licensee of patents relating to the BRCA breast cancer susceptibility genes, has been a lightning rod for much of the negative commentary on gene patents. The criticism has culminated in a lawsuit by the ACLU challenging the patent eligibility of Myriad’s gene patents, and by implication the eligibility of gene patents in general. On March 29, 2010, the district court ruled in favor of the ACLU, invalidating all of the challenged patent claims for encompassing subject matter ineligible for protection under Section 101 of the patent statute. As of November 2010 the case is at the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and thus the status of gene patents is still very much in play. This chapter explains what a gene patent is, and discusses the legal doctrine supporting the USPTO’s position that gene patents are valid. It also considers the societal costs and benefits of gene patents, their role in biotechnology research and development, and the ACLU’s challenge to Myriad’s patents. It explain why many of Myriad’s patent claims challenged by the ACLU for impeding BRCA genetic testing are likely invalid for lack of novelty or obviousness, or not infringed by BRCA testing as currently performed. It explains why the human gene patent thicket has for the most part failed to materialize, particularly with respect to basic research and the use of DNA hybridization arrays. It concludes with suggestions for more appropriate and measured alternatives to the doctrine of patent eligibility for reining in truly unworthy gene patents.
A reciprocal test of Darwin's naturalization hypothesis in two mediterranean-climate regions

Aim Regions with a mediterranean climate are among the most species-rich regions in the world. They are also among the regions with the greatest number of non-native invasive species. However, not all introduced species become invasive. Previously, we found that non-native Asteraceae closely related to native species are more likely to establish and spread in California, USA. We conducted reciprocal studies in another mediterranean-climate region with high species richness, the Italian Peninsula. Mediterranean Basin invaders in the Astereae mostly originated in temperate North America, whereas the invasive Cardueae of California are primarily from the Mediterranean Basin. Location The Mediterranean Basin (Italy). Methods Utilizing the first fossil-calibrated molecular phylogenies of the tribe Astereae, we explored the evolutionary patterns among native and non-native taxa within this group. To elucidate the mechanisms driving the observed patterns, we modelled the ecological niches of Astereae species on a global scale and examined correlations between ecological similarity and evolutionary relatedness among taxa. Results Not only were invasive taxa highly clustered among natives, they were also more closely related to natives than were non-invasive introduced taxa. We found that invasive species had higher degrees of niche overlap with native species than did non-invasive introduced species. Moreover, pairwise niche distance among species was significantly correlated with evolutionary time, indicating that the ecological niche is phylogenetically conserved. Main conclusions The results of our study are consistent with those from our work in California, suggesting that introduced Asteraceae taxa that are closely related to native species are likely to become invasive on both sides of the Atlantic. Furthermore, existing ecological attributes seem to drive these evolutionary patterns. We suggest that potential invaders closely related to natives should be considered as high priorities for management.
The effect of ethanol and acetate on protein expression in Pichia pastoris

Pichia pastoris is an excellent host for high-level heterologous gene expression, but there is still much interest in improving the productivity of recombinant protein production. l? pastoris produces a small amount of ethanol as a by-product during the glycerol fed-batch phase and the mixed-feed induction phase (glycerol-methanol) of high cell density fermentations, regardless of the phenotype (Mutf, Mut" or Mut-). We have investigated ethanol repression of the AOXl promoter using strains, GS115 (Mutf) and MC100-3 (Mut-), expressing an AOXI-lac2 fusion. The addition of 10 mg t1 ethanol at the start of methanol induction delayed P-galactosidase production and methanol utilization for four hours in shake flask experiments. When ethanol and acetate were added together, all of the ethanol was converted to acetate, which also represses the AOXl promoter. The effects of ethanol and acetate on protein expression in l? pastoris at shake flask and fermentor conditions are discussed.
Tunable Dual Fluorescence of 3‐(2,2′‐Bipyridyl)‐Substituted Iminocoumarin

3-(2,2'-Bipyridyl)-substituted iminocoumarin molecules (compounds 1 and 2) exhibit dual fluorescence. Each molecule has one electron donor and two electron acceptors that are in conjugation, which leads to fluorescence from two independent charge transfer (CT) states. To account for the dual fluorescence, we subscribe to a kinetic model in which both CT states form after rapid decays from the directly accessed S(1) and S(2) excited states. Due to the slow internal conversion from S(2) to S(1), or more likely the slow interconversion between the two subsequently formed CT states, dual emission is allowed to occur. This hypothesis is supported by the following evidence: 1) the emission at short and long ends of the spectrum originates from two different excitation spectra, which eliminates the possibility that dual emission occurs after an adiabatic reaction at the S(1) level. 2) The fluorescence quantum yield of compound 2 grows with increasing excitation wavelength, which indicates that the high-energy excitation elevates the molecule to a weakly emissive state that does not internally convert to the low-energy, highly emissive state. The intensity of the two emission bands of 1 is tunable through the specific interactions between either of the two electron acceptors with another species, such as Zn(2+) in the current demonstration. Therefore, the development of ratiometric fluorescent indicators based on the dual-emitting iminocoumarin system is conceivable. Further fundamental studies on this series of compounds using time-resolved spectroscopic techniques, and explorations of their applications will be carried out in the near future.
Ignition and extinction in the catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons over platinum

The ignition–extinction behavior in the oxidation of methane, ethane, propane and isobutane, as well as of ethylene and propylene over a platinum-foil catalyst was studied over the entire range of fuel/air ratios at atmospheric pressure. Ignition and extinction of the heterogeneous surface reaction, homogeneous ignition and the autothermal behavior of these fuel–air mixtures were investigated. The results show a common trend in the ignition extinction behavior of the alkanes and a different trend for the olefins. This is discussed in terms of a simple model, which correctly predicts the composition dependence of the surface ignition curve for reasonable values of parameters, indicating a mainly oxygen-covered surface during ignition of the alkanes and a mainly hydrocarbon-covered surface in the case of the olefins. Different branches of the complete bifurcation diagrams are discussed separately, allowing qualitative conclusions about the catalytic activity of Pt for the oxidation reactions of different fuels.
The Effect of Dried Fruit of Solanum Sodomaeum on Japanese Quail and S.C. White Leghorn Cockerel Chicks

Abstract BOVINE arteriosclerosis or “Naalehu disease” reported from Hawaii (Lynd et al., 1965) is believed to be similar to “Enteque seco” of South America and Manchester wasting disease reported from Jamaica (Arnold and Bras, 1956). Worker and Carrillo (1967) implicated Solanum malacoxylon as a possible contributing factor to “Enteque seco” in the Argentine and reported that as little as 5 g. of the dry matter was sufficient to produce changes in blood calcium and phosphorus of 900 lb. heifers. In view of the report by Worker and Carrillo (1967), Solanum sodomaeum L., which is found in abundance where bovine arteriosclerosis is endemic in Hawaii, may be an etiologic factor. The toxicity of S. sodomaeum to Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and W. L. chicks was studied to determine their suitability as experimental animals in evaluating the toxic factor or factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS The ripe fruit of S. sodomaeum was either…
Engaging the Process of Transformation

The contributions included in this issue demonstrate the variety of ways in which participatory and interpretive methods are transforming the field of psychology and clarify the integration of the personal and political commitments of the authors within their research. A number of issues remain to be negotiated, however, before these methods take their full place in the field. This conclusion considers a few of these issues, including an examination of how these approaches demand a fundamental reassessment of validity in psychological research. It also considers the critical issue of the ownership of knowledge, and proposes a reframing of the ethical guidelines for research in the field. Finally, it invites further discussion and debate around the issues raised in this issue.
Optimal and nearly optimal algorithms for approximating polynomial zeros

Abstract We substantially improve the known algorithms for approximating all the complex zeros of an n th degree polynomial p ( x ). Our new algorithms save both Boolean and arithmetic sequential time, versus the previous best algorithms of Schonhage [1], Pan [2], and Neff and Reif [3]. In parallel (NC) implementation, we dramatically decrease the number of processors, versus the parallel algorithm of Neff [4], which was the only NC algorithm known for this problem so far. Specifically, under the simple normalization assumption that the variable x has been scaled so as to confine the zeros of p ( x ) to the unit disc x : | x | ≤ 1, our algorithms (which promise to be practically effective) approximate all the zeros of p ( x ) within the absolute error bound 2 − b , by using order of n arithmetic operations and order of ( b + n ) n 2 Boolean (bitwise) operations (in both cases up to within polylogarithmic factors). The algorithms allow their optimal (work preserving) NC parallelization, so that they can be implemented by using polylogarithmic time and the orders of n arithmetic processors or ( b + n ) n 2 Boolean processors. All the cited bounds on the computational complexity are within polylogarithmic factors from the optimum (in terms of n and b ) under both arithmetic and Boolean models of computation (in the Boolean case, under the additional (realistic) assumption that n = O ( b )).
Can age at sexual maturity act as a predictive biomarker for prodromal negative symptoms

Background Puberty and reproductive hormones have been identified as having a potential role in schizophrenia. Earlier reports have suggested associations between later age at puberty and schizophrenia in males. Similarly, associations have been reported between testosterone levels and psychotic symptoms. In this report, we examined the association between age at puberty and prodromal symptoms of psychosis.
Thrombin, TNF-α, and LPS exert overlapping but nonidentical effects on gene expression in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells

Thrombin, TNF-alpha, and LPS have each been implicated in endothelial cell and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation. We wanted to test the hypothesis that these three agonists display mediator and/or cell type-specific properties. The addition of thrombin to human pulmonary artery endothelial cells resulted in an upregulation of PDGF-A, tissue factor (TF), ICAM-1, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), whereas TNF-alpha and LPS failed to induce PDGF-A. These effects were mimicked by protease-activated receptor-1 activation. In VSMC, thrombin induced expression of TF and PDGF-A but failed to consistently induce ICAM-1 or u-PA expression. In contrast, TNF-alpha and LPS increased expression of all four genes in this cell type. Inhibitor studies in endothelial cells demonstrated a critical role for PKC in mediating thrombin, TNF-alpha, and LPS induction of ICAM-1, TF, and u-PA and for p38 MAPK in mediating thrombin, TNF-alpha, and LPS induction of TF. Taken together, these results suggest that inflammatory mediators engage distinct signaling pathways and expression profiles in endothelial cells and VSMC. The data support the notion that endothelial cell activation is not an all-or-nothing phenomenon but rather is dependent on the nature of the extracellular mediator.
A dynein light intermediate chain, D1bLIC, is required for retrograde intraflagellar transport

Intraflagellar transport (IFT), the bidirectional movement of particles along flagella, is essential for flagellar assembly. The motor for retrograde IFT in Chlamydomonas is cytoplasmic dynein 1b, which contains the dynein heavy chain DHC1b and the light intermediate chain (LIC) D1bLIC. To investigate a possible role for the LIC in IFT, we identified a d1blic mutant. DHC1b is reduced in the mutant, indicating that D1bLIC is important for stabilizing dynein 1b. The mutant has variable length flagella that accumulate IFT-particle proteins, indicative of a defect in retrograde IFT. Interestingly, the remaining DHC1b is normally distributed in the mutant flagella, strongly suggesting that the defect is in binding of cargo to the retrograde motor rather than in motor activity per se. Cell growth and Golgi apparatus localization and morphology are normal in the mutant, indicating that D1bLIC is involved mainly in retrograde IFT. Like mammalian LICs, D1bLIC has a phosphate-binding domain (P-loop) at its N-terminus. To investigate the function of this conserved domain, d1blic mutant cells were transformed with constructs designed to express D1bLIC proteins with mutated P-loops. The constructs rescued the mutant cells to a wild-type phenotype, indicating that the function of D1bLIC in IFT is independent of its P-loop.
Neuroprotection by the α2-adrenoreceptor agonist dexmedetomidine in a focal model of cerebral ischemia

Background: Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective α 2 -adrenoreceptor agonist, decreases central sympathetic activity and reduces the anesthetic requirement of halothane. Preliminary studies show that dexmedetomidine improves the outcome from ischemic injury and, therefore, may have potential therapeutic value. Methods: The authors studied 14 rabbits that underwent a 2-h occlusion of the left internal carotid, anterior cerebral, and middle cerebral arteries, followed by 4 h of reperfusion. Ten minutes after occlusion, the animals were treated with either normal saline (n=7) or dexmedetomidine (n=7) using a computer-controlled infusion rate calculated to maintain a steady state plasma concentration
Mechanical Mouse Lure for Brown Treesnakes

Abstract The importance of prey movement for stimulating feeding behavior of Brown Treesnakes was tested by using a mechanical mouse model in combination with and without prey odor. Prey movement was found to be important in stimulating brown treesnake feeding behavior. Prey movement combined with prey odor was not significantly different than prey movement alone. In the development of simple artificial lures based on the stimulus of live mice, visual lures lacking movement are likely to be ineffective. Lures that combine a visual moving stimulus with prey odor are likely to be the most effective artificial lure for trapping brown treesnakes.
Carcinoma cells induce lumen filling and EMT in epithelial cells through soluble E-cadherin-mediated activation of EGFR

In epithelial cancers, carcinoma cells coexist with normal cells. Although it is known that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in cancer progression, it is not completely understood how the tumor influences adjacent normal epithelial cells. In this study, a three-dimensional co-culture system comprising non-transformed epithelial cells (MDCK) and transformed carcinoma cells (MSV-MDCK) was used to demonstrate that carcinoma cells sequentially induce preneoplastic lumen filling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in epithelial cysts. MMP-9 secreted by carcinoma cells cleaves cellular E-cadherin (encoded by CDH1) from epithelial cells to generate soluble E-cadherin (sE-cad), a pro-oncogenic protein. We show that sE-cad induces EGFR activation, resulting in lumen filling in MDCK cysts. Long-term sE-cad treatment induced EMT. sE-cad caused lumen filling by induction of the ERK signaling pathway and triggered EMT through the sustained activation of the AKT pathway. Although it is known that sE-cad induces MMP-9 release and consequent EGFR activation in tumor cells, our results, for the first time, demonstrate that carcinoma cells can induce sE-cad shedding in adjacent epithelial cells, which leads to EGFR activation and the eventual transdifferentiation of the normal epithelial cells.
Ford Motor Corporation of South Africa

In early February 1988, Ford Motor Company announced that it was withdrawing from South Africa.1 The announcement was a long time in the making. The previous two years had seen almost a stampede of American companies leaving South Africa through closures, sales of assets, and a variety of other means. Quite often, these divestitures caused significant losses to the American parents when measured against the value of the companies’ assets in South Africa.
Morphogenic Light Reflected to Developing Cotton Leaves Affects Insect‐Attracting Terpene Concentrations

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) leaves accumulate volatile terpenes that have been implicated in the attraction of both insect pests and the arthropods which prey on them. Our objective was to determine if altering the light environment of developing cotton leaves could affect the accumulation of these attractants. Plants were grown in drip-irrigated plots over colored polyethylene soil covers that reflected various combinations and intensities of red (R), far-red (FR), blue (BL), and photosynthetic photon flux (PPF). Individual terpenes were quantified by gas chromatography and identified by mass spectroscopy. Leaves exposed to a low amount of reflected BL and a FR/ R ratio higher than that of incoming sunlight were thinner than leaves exposed to high amounts of reflected BL and PPF during development. Increasing the FRIR ratio while decreasing the amount of BL reflected to developing cotton leaves increased the leaf content of insect-attracting terpenes such as α-pinene and β-pinene on both leaf area and fresh weight bases. We conclude that altering the color of light reflected to developing cotton leaves can affect leaf content of insect attractants.
AuraCall, Inc.: Negotiating a Dispute Resolution Process Simulation

The AuraCall simulation is a tool for teaching two subjects, and the relationships between them: alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process choice and design, and negotiation regarding this issue. Designed for to be used at the intermediate level, it sets participants into the role of disputants, who must set their main conflict aside momentarily in order to decide what the best dispute resolution process would be for settling it. In the simulation, a telecommunications company has retained an instructional design expert to create an online training course for its call center staff. Despite a good start, the parties are now disappointed with each other, and each is angry that the other did not keep to the agreement. Unable to come to agreement on their own, they initiate a discussion regarding the dispute resolution process best suited to settle the issue – only to realize that they have different preferences on this issue, with each party leaning towards a different type of ADR process. Only by using their negotiation skills will parties be able to reach agreement on process choice.
The effect of superoxide dismutase and catalase on the extended preservation of the ex vivo heart for transplantation.

The applicability of heart transplantation remains limited in part by the inability to preserve the excised heart for long periods of time. Free radical scavengers have been shown to protect the anoxic myocardium by preventing damage to the cell membrane and may, therefore, be effective in extending successful preservation of donor hearts. We perfused 10 sheep hearts for 8 hours in an ex vivo perfusion system. The effect of superoxide dismutase combined with catalase, 60,000 units/L, was studied in five sheep, and five received placebo. Control determinations and determinations after 8 hours of preservation were obtained with the heart perfused with autologous blood at 37° C at an aortic perfusion pressure of 60 mm Hg and flow of 180 to 200 ml/min. After control readings, the hearts were arrested and perfused with a cold (6° to 8° C) oxygenated buffered crystalloid solution with or without superoxide dismutase and catalase at a perfusion pressure of 30 cm H2O for 8 hours. Left and right ventricular compliance was measured sequentially with separate intraventricular balloons. After 8 hours of ex vivo preservation, hearts receiving superoxide dismutase and catalase had significantly better left and right ventricular performance, higher myocardial oxygen consumption, and lower lactate production than the control group. The hearts preserved with superoxide dismutase and catalase showed significantly better left and right ventricular compliance, much less increase in heart weight, and no change in the diastolic pressures. The results suggest that superoxide dismutase combined with catalase may be effective in extending ex vivo preservation of hearts for cardiac transplantation.
A United Way for the Arts: A New Marketing/Funding Approach or Just a Unique Situation?

This paper examines the creation of a “United Way for the Arts” in Central Florida in order to ascertain the applicability of this unusual marketing approach to solving funding problems currently faced by most arts organizations.
Conclusion: The Republic Is in Danger

America’s Republic is at war with an enigmatic enemy. The War on Terror is in its 14th year, with no end in sight. America has been under emergency laws since September 11, 2001 and the US President has ordered the assassination of more people, than at any time in American history. The USA might call itself a constitutional republic, yet, in time of war, and in this case a War on Terror, the US Republic behaves much more like an authoritative monarchy, whereby the executive decides which war to wage and how to wage it. This conclusion is startling, but consistent with broader liberal democratic theory. In war, the law is silent and this is true with the US Republic.
Estimates of radiation exposures for human crews in deep space from the January 15, 2005, solar energetic particle event using the earth-moon-mars radiation environment module

AbstractThe Earth-Moon-Mars Radiation Environment Module (EMMREM) is a numerical model for characterizing the time-dependent radiation environment in the Earth-Moon-Mars and interplanetary space en...
The First Eight Years ~ Giving Kids a Foundation for a Lifetime Success Resource Review

The First Eight Years: Giving Kids a Foundation for a Lifetime Success” is a recent KIDS COUNT policy report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The report discusses how a child’s early development from birth through age 8 is critical in one’s transition into elementary school as well as long-term academic success. The report also provides broad policy recommendations to help America’s children succeed and data on early childhood development for every state.
Transmission Spectroscopy and Kinetics in Crystalline Solids Using Aqueous Nanocrystalline Suspensions: The Spiropyran-Merocyanine Photochromic System

A comparison of the solution and solid state thermal decay kinetics of five photochromic spiropyrans with different N-alkyl groups (SP1–SP5) was carried out in acetonitrile and nanocrystalline suspensions at 298 K. The change in absorbance at ca. 550 nm was measured as a function of time for the merocyanine (MC) using transmission UV–vis spectroscopy. We found that the thermal decay kinetics are slower and follow a biexponential decay in the solid state compared to a faster, monoexponential decay that was measured in solution. We observed that, while the kinetic range measured in solution varies by a factor of 13, the decay kinetics in the solid state cover a range of ca. 150, indicating that crystal packing has an influence much greater than that of the effects of N-alkyl substitution. A fluorescence analysis of irradiated samples of SP1 in solution could be used to determine the formation of the MC species and its subsequent decay. By contrast, a similar analysis of nanocrystalline suspensions displayed...
Risk-Based Threshold of Gull-Associated Fecal Marker Concentrations for Recreational Water

A sensitive and specific marker of gull fecal contamination, Catellicoccus (CAT), has been used to conduct microbial source tracking in surface waters throughout the world, yet there are no guidelines for interpreting measured concentrations. Here, we use quantitative microbial risk assessment to evaluate CAT concentrations within a risk-based framework and develop a threshold at which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency illness benchmark (∼3 illnesses/100 swimmers) is exceeded. We modeled illness risk from exposure to different concentrations of CAT in bathing waters using a Monte Carlo approach that considered densities of CAT and infectious zoonotic pathogens Salmonella and Campylobacter in gull feces, volume of water ingested during bathing, and dose–response relationships. We measured CAT densities in 37 fresh gull fecal droppings from six California beaches. Log10 densities ranged from 4.6 to 9.8 log10 copies CAT/g of wet feces. When the level of CAT exceeds 4 × 106 copies/100 mL of water, the ...
The effects of age on the learning and forgetting of primacy, middle, and recency components of a multi-trial word list

The serial position effect reveals that recall of a supraspan list of words follows a predictable pattern, whereby words at the beginning (primacy) and end (recency) of a list are recalled more easily than words in the middle. This effect has typically been studied using single list-learning trials, but in neuropsychology, multi-trial list-learning tests are more commonly used. The current study examined trends in learning for primacy, middle, and recency effects across multiple trials in younger and older age cohorts. Participants were 158 volunteers, including 79 adults aged 17-36 ("younger" group) and 79 adults aged 54-89 years ("older" group). Each participant completed four learning trials and one delayed (5-10 min) recall trial from the Memory Assessment Scales. Scores were divided into primacy (first four words), middle (middle four words), and recency (final four words) scores for all trials. For list acquisition, mixed effects modeling examined the main effects of and interactions between learning slope (logarithmic), age group, and serial position. Rate of learning increased logarithmically over four trials and varied by serial position, with growth of middle and recency word acquisition increasing more rapidly than recall of primacy words; this interaction did not differ by age group. Delayed retention differed according to age group and serial position; both older and younger adults demonstrated similar retention for primacy words, but older adults showed reduced retention for middle and recency words. Although older adults acquired less information across learning trials, the reason for this reduced acquisition was related to initial learning, not to rate of learning over time. Older compared to younger adults were less efficient at transferring middle and recency words from short-term to long-term memory.
Practical Approach to the PCOS Patient

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with a discussion on our current understanding of the pathophysiology and sequela of this syndrome. A diagnostic algorithm, as well as the challenges clinicians may face when evaluating these patients is also included. Clinical treatment strategies for fertility and non-fertility PCOS patients are described in detail. Recent discussions on the inaccuracies and lack of standardization for the measurement of androgens, both clinically and chemically, are highlighted. A meta-analysis and a randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of commonly used ovulation induction medications are also included along with recommendations from national committee reports and consensus opinions. PCOS is recognized as one of the most common endocrinopathies in women worldwide which continues to attract increased attention and research. Inheritance patterns are multifactorial and may be influenced trans-generationally due to the epigenetic influence of metabolic syndrome. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of long-term health consequences for which they should be appropriately monitored and treated, in order to decrease the overall morbidity associated with this syndrome. Treatment should be individualized based on the phenotypic presentation of the patient as well as their fertility desires. For some patients, referral to a specialist and multidisciplinary care may be required.
From Criminological Heterogeneity to Coherent Classes: Developing a Typology of Juvenile Sex Offenders

Although juvenile sex offenders (JSOs) are a pressing topic among researchers and juvenile justice practitioners, empirically driven typologies of JSOs using U.S. data are lacking. Here, we develop...
Determinants of underwriting spreads internationally: Evidence from SEOs

Abstract We examine the effect of country-level factors on gross underwriting spreads in seasoned equity offerings. Controlling for issue, issuer and underwriter characteristics, we find that primary legal factors that impose direct court costs on underwriters significantly increase spreads. However, secondary legal, economic, and governance factors do not impact spreads significantly. We provide corroborative evidence that preemptive rights lower spreads, and thus, rights offering price concession is a form of transaction cost. We conclude that the non-primary legal factors not captured by market risk are likely incorporated at the time of underwriter-issuer contracting.
ALS/FTD-Associated C9ORF72 Repeat RNA Promotes Phase Transitions In Vitro and in Cells.

Membraneless RNA granules originate via phase separation events driven by multivalent interactions. As RNA is the defining component of such granules, we examined how RNA contributes to granule assembly. Expansion of hexanucleotide GGGGCC (G4C2) repeats in the first intron of C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9-ALS/FTD). We describe a biophysical phenomenon whereby G4C2 RNA (rG4C2) promotes the phase separation of RNA granule proteins in vitro and in cells. The ability of rG4C2 to promote phase separation is dependent on repeat length and RNA structure because rG4C2 must assume a G-quadruplex conformation to promote granule assembly. We demonstrate a central role for RNA in promoting phase separations and implicate rG4C2 G-quadruplex structures in the pathogenesis of C9-ALS/FTD.
Investigation of Substrate Recognition and Biosynthesis in Class IV Lanthipeptide Systems

Lanthipeptides belong to the family of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) and are subdivided into four classes. The first two classes have been heavily studied, but less is known about classes III and IV. The lanthipeptide synthetases of classes III and IV share a similar organization of protein domains: A lyase domain at the N-terminus, a central kinase domain, and a C-terminal cyclase domain. Here, we provide deeper insight into class IV enzymes (LanLs). A series of putative producer strains was screened to identify production conditions of four new venezuelin-like lanthipeptides, and an Escherichia coli based heterologous production system was established for a fifth. The latter not only allowed production of fully modified core peptide but was also employed as the basis for mutational analysis of the precursor peptide to identify regions important for enzyme recognition. These experiments were complemented by in vitro binding studies aimed at identifying the region of the leader peptide recognized by the LanL enzymes as well as determining which domain of the enzyme is recognizing the substrate peptide. Combined, these studies revealed that the kinase domain is mediating the interaction with the precursor peptide and that a putatively α-helical stretch of residues at the center to N-terminal region of the leader peptide is important for enzyme recognition. In addition, a combination of in vitro assays and tandem mass spectrometry was used to elucidate the order of dehydration events in these systems.
Intracochlear evidence on generation and propagation of distortion product otoacoustic emissions in gerbil cochlea

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs, Kemp, 1978) are complex signals appearing as a sum of multiple components relating to different cochlear source regions and different active mechanisms thus making it difficult to ascribe them to specific hearing frequencies. Improving the utility of OAEs requires understanding the origin of these multiple components and extracting the information they carry to the ear canal. The current presentation aims to provide direct intracochlear observations on OAE generation and their transmission. Two- or three-tone evoked pressure responses were simultaneously measured in the gerbil ear canal and scala tympani. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and their intracochlear sources as DPs were analyzed. Results demonstrated: 1) DPOAEs come mainly from the f2 peak region, and extend further basal with increases in primary-tone intensities. These findings are consistent with several notions including: the theoretical prediction of “wave-fixed” or nonlinear generation, and th...
Perinatal programming of neurodevelopment: epigenetic mechanisms and the prenatal shaping of the brain.

The recent years have witnessed an exponential growth in the knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms, and piling evidence now links DNA methylation and histone modifications with a wide range of physiological processes from embryonic development to memory formation and behavior. Not surprisingly, deregulation of epigenetic modifications is associated with human diseases as well.
Novel and unusual nucleosides as drugs.

The most important function of nucleosides is that they are components of the nucleic acids. The latter represent the blue print of organisms and determine the biochemical processes and the ability to reproduce [1,2]. Nucleosides are composed of a heterocyclic nitrogenous base linked typically to a pentose via a beta-N-glycosidic bond. The nucleoside bases are derivatives of purine, commonly adenine and guanine, and pyrimidine, commonly cytosine, thymine, and uracil. The pentose moiety is ribose in ribonucleosides, and deoxyribose in deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleotides are nucleoside derivatives in which pentose is phosphorylated, usually at the 5′-hydroxyl group [1,2]. Figure 1 shows structures of common nucleosides which are the components of nucleic acids and thus are the basis of the genetic system.
Integral Equation Methods for Viscous Flow Free-Boundary Problems: An Overview with Applications

Integral equation solutions are common in fluid mechanics and are applied to such diverse problems as classical potential flows, wave motion, vortex sheet role-up, acoustics, bubble dynamics and cavitation, capillary instability of jets, and the creeping motion of viscous fluids. In particular, for the latter category, or Stokes flow problems, integral equation techniques are well-established and have been applied to the motion of rigid particles, and the deformation of drops, bubbles, and other fluid-fluid interfaces [2],[12]. Although the viscous flow equations are linear, if the problem includes deformable surfaces across which finite stress jumps act, then the boundary value problem is nonlinear. Integral equation methods have been successful for solving such viscous flow free-boundary problems. Examples include the translation of an initially nonspherical drop [3], breakup of a fluid thread [19], cell deformation [20], and sedimentation of a rigid particle across a fluid-fluid interface [4]. Typically, in numerical solutions, it is of interest to determine the interface shape, the stress distribution along the boundaries of immersed solids, or the detailed velocity field (e.g. mixing applications). Here we provide an overview of these problems and present examples of recent applications.
Kevin Schilbrack: Philosophy and the Study of Religions: A Manifesto

This book review essay summarizes the key arguments of Kevin Schilbrack’s Philosophy and the Study of Religions: A Manifesto and offers two critical responses.
Results of Percutaneous Lumbar Discectomy Compared to Laminotomy and Chemonucleolysis

The data for this analysis have been accumulated for a critical evaluation of the results of surgery that has been performed for lumbar disc herniation over the past five years. The patients included in this study each had one of four techniques employed. The techniques have included percutaneous lumbar discectomy, automated percutaneous lumbar discectomy, lumbar laminotomy or chemonucleolysis.