cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of maximum application-level power supply noise

This paper presents a systematic technique that relates the instructions at the application-level to the cycle-average supply noise. Cost metrics affecting supply noise are maximized and the corresponding activity event is mapped to instructions. We performed experiments on an open-source processor and were able to obtain a higher voltage drop (>20%) when compared to that of random simulation in a significantly less amount of time (96% reduction).
Blurring the behavioral-biological distinction: a commentary.

Over recent decades we have moved rather far from the original behaviorist position as advanced by J. B. Watson (1938): we are beginning to fill the organism with a variety of complex processes that defy classification into his "learned" versus "unlearned" dichotomy. However, his mandate that we define such processes by reference to brain mechanisms, rather than to unobservable "conscious processes," continues to hold. Indeed, advances within the neurosciences, along with technical developments that permit nonintrusive measurements of brain activ-
Learning in honeybees as a function of amount of reward: Further experiments with color

Foraging honeybees were trained individually with successively presented targets differing in color, one containing 5 µl and the other 20 µl of 50% sucrose solution, after which preferences were measured in unrewarded choice tests. The targets were conical, designed to control for the possibility of differential delay of reward stemming from the greater detectability of the larger as compared with the smaller drops of sucrose when the drops were presented on the conventional flat targets. The new results for color, like recent results for odor, can be understood on the assumption that the attractiveness of a stimulus increases as a function of the strength of its association with reward and that the effect of amount of reward is on asymptotic strength.
Bonding kinetics of thermosetting adhesive systems used in wood-based composites: the combined effect of temperature and moisture content

—The processes operative within wood-based composites during hot pressing are briefly reviewed, and the role of adhesion in the system is considered. A new method is described for investigating how temperature and moisture content together affect the kinetics of thermosetting adhesive bond strength development. For this purpose, powdered phenol formaldehyde to wood bonds were formed under highly controlled, nearly steady-state conditions of temperature (between 90 and 120°C) and moisture content (between 4 and 16%); after a range of curing times, the bonds were immediately destructively tested in tension. Plotting accumulated strength versus forming time enables construction of strength-development curves, which reveal an initial delay before the onset of strength development, a period of nearly constant strength development, a small discontinuity in which the bonding rate is reduced, and, finally, a period of well-defined bonding at an ever decreasing rate. All the stages of these curves were found to be...
Role conflict and ambiguity as critical variables in a model of organizational behavior

Abstract The purpose of this study is to report the development and tests of a model of organizational behavior. The model was developed out of theory, research, and an interpretation of interview findings in the firm studied. A characterization of the firm is made in terms of current theory and research. Questionnaires and measurement scales designed to test the model are described. Measures of organizational and leadership practices served as predictors. Dependent measures were satisfaction, perceived effectiveness, anxiety, and propensity to leave. Role conflict and role ambiguity scales were treated as predictor, intervening, and as dependent variables in the model. Selected hypotheses are presented and tested. Predictors tended to relate in expected directions to role measures and dependent variables. Role measure hypotheses were generally supported, and role ambiguity was a better predictor and intervening (partialled) variable than role conflict.
The application of secondary ion emission to impurity control in tokamaks

The extent to which high Z impurities enter the plasma of a magnetic confinement fusion device depends on the kinetic energy, angle of emission, and very importantly, the charge state of the ejected material. We have been studying both the fundamental process of secondary ion emission and possible techniques for producing surfaces which give rise to high ion fractions during sputtering, with a view to assessing the potential of this approach to impurity control in tokamaks. By carefully choosing materials exposed to fusion plasmas and by properly modifying the surface it may be possible to insure that nearly all the impurities are ejected as ions. As long as certain gas blanket configurations are avoided and especially if a divertor is used, it should then be possible to remove the impurities before they reach the plasma. The relative merits of a variety of materials are considered with regard to this application.
Use of transformation to make targeted sequence alterations at the am (GDH) locus of Neurospora.

Specific in vitro-generated insertion, replacement, and deletion mutations have been integrated near the chromosomal locus ofam (NADP-specific glutamate dehydrogenase) ofNeurospora crassa. Two approaches have been successful. One approach usedam +-containing vectors capable of integrating at any site in the genome. This technique was used to introduce a specific 700 bp insertion near theam locus and to replace chromosomal sequences nearam with plasmid DNA. Efficiency was low, however, and many transformants had to be screened to find the desired alterations among the ectopic insertions unless the incoming DNA had a large region of homology with theam region. A second approach increased the efficiency by using vectors containing a truncatedam gene, so that prototrophs could arise only by homologous recombination. Overall transformation frequency was reduced relative to the first method, but a large fraction of the transformations involved specific alterations of theam region.
Models of faculty development for problem-based learning

Learning an innovative teaching method such as a problem-based learning is difficult for most faculty members because the method is based upon assumptions about learning that are often at variance with their beliefs. Faculty development can challenge assumptions about learning, provide experience with a new technique, and offer specific pedagogical skills that are needed to succeed as a tutor. A comprehensive approach to faculty development, derived from the literature in higher education, would include: instructional development, professional development, leadership development, and organizational development. Research on faculty development indicates positive results of such efforts. Faculty members who choose to learn about problem-based learning appear to progress through predictable stages of development that include: understanding and valuing the rationale for problem-based learning, acquiring general and content-specific tutor knowledge and skills, developing advanced skills in problem-based learning, and developing leadership and scholarship skills. Each of these steps, plus organizational vitality, are described along with recommendations for implementing such programs. Finally, five models of faculty development derived from medical schools with problem-based learning curricula are examined.
A Short History of a Flat Place: Three Centuries of Geomorphic Change in the Croatan National Forest

Despite flat terrain, extensive forests, and little urbanization, there has been extensive landscape change in the Croatan area of North Carolina's lower coastal plain in the past 300 years. Culturally-accelerated erosion, sedimentation, and geomorphic change are documented, including mean historic upland surface lowering of 15 to 25 cm, and historic alluvial sedimentation of 70 to more than 200 cm. This recent environmental history is significant beyond the Croatan because it illustrates three critical points. First, human agency can result in rapid and significant geomorphic change, even in geologically stable areas where traditional geomorphic risk factors such as slope and climate variability are low. Second, geomorphic change may not leave obvious visible clues. The scarcity of apparent landform change in the coastal plain has traditionally left the impression that culturally-induced geomorphic change has been minimal, when in fact such changes are comparable to those in other regions generally recog...
Interfacial microstructure and fracture of Al2O3 particulate reinforced AlCu composite

Abstract The role of interfacial microstructure in the fracture of particulate reinforced metal matrix composites was examined in a cast Al 2 O 3 /AlCu composite, heat-treated to different aging conditions. It was found that the composite has a high plane strain fracture toughness in the peak-aged condition and the toughness decreases with decreasing yield strength following high temperature overaging of the composite. Interfacial studies have shown that the high fracture toughness is related to the beneficial role of a soft interfacial layer, which permits the ductility of the matrix to be fully realized during fracture. When such a compliant interfacial layer is removed, e.g. by extended overaging, a significant drop in fracture toughness was observed. Based on experimental observations and micromechanical modelling, it was shown that the variation of fracture toughness with aging condition is consistent with the transition of fracture mechanism from near-interface failure to interfacial failure.
Imagery in the aged.

Abstract Two studies were conducted to investigate the use of imagery by subjects of different ages. Experiment 1 was designed to test the effectiveness of the “peg-word” system as a memory aid for the elderly. Variables believed to be important in the effectiveness of mnemonic devices were manipulated. The results showed that the mnemonic and imagery instructions were of benefit to the young subjects but not to the older subjects. Age was also found to interact with the concreteness variable, item concreteness having a smaller effect on the oldest subjects. These results suggest that the older subjects were not using imagery mediation effectively. Under the conditions of the second experiment, however, item concreteness had a similar effect across age groups. Type of instruction was also manipulated in Experiment 2 and only the middle age group improved with imagery instructions. The older age group was not benefited by such instruction.
A Resident’s Primer of Medicare Reimbursement in Radiology

After having completed medical school, residency, and in many cases specialized fellowships, radiologists are well equipped to practice clinical radiology. However, they receive little if any exposure to the business of radiology, such as coding, billing, and other administrative duties that maintain the financial well-being of any medical practice. Medicare insolvency, managed care, self-referral, and increasing imaging by nonradiology specialists are all issues creating a competitive and ever changing medical environment, and understanding the economic and business aspects of health care is becoming increasingly important for both academic and private practice radiologists. The intent of this paper is to provide new radiologists as well as radiologists in training an introduction to the reimbursement system, as well as to provide a generalized review of the process for practicing radiologists. In particular, this article addresses the fundamentals of the Medicare fee-for-service reimbursement process as well as the factors considered in arriving at the valuation of radiologic services by Medicare.
Scanning density gradient isoelectric focusing of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins B and C1.

Purified Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins B and C1, the causative agents of staphylococcal food poisoning, were resolved into several components by scanning isoelectric focusing in sucrose density gradients in the absence and presence of 6 M urea and 5 mM dithiothreitol. The observed heterogeneity persisted in the denaturing medium, which suggests that the primary structure of protein enterotoxins B and C1 may be partly responsible for the isoelectric point differences of the various forms. To our knowledge, the scanning isoelectric focusing patterns of staphylococcal enterotoxins B and C1 are reported for the first time.
Back to back Z-source inverter topology for the series hybrid electric bus

This paper proposes a new power electronic circuit topology for a series hybrid electric bus (HEB). Unlike the existing back to back voltage source inverter (VSI) HEB topologies, the new back to back Z source inverter topology is capable of decoupling the voltage levels at each end of the dc-link. This significant improvement now allows for a further optimized operation of the generator inverter, reduction in dc-link capacitor size, and lower generator harmonics. This paper discusses the boost-only characteristic and the common dc-link voltage characteristic of the existing topologies and how this can be overcome with the proposed topology. Through a coordinated control of the traction inverter open circuit and shoot through switching states, the Z source network is able to maintain a different dc-link voltage at the traction inverter as compared to that at the generator inverter. Simulation results are shown to verify the concept.
Measurement of the polarization state of high harmonics generated in gases

We have measured the polarization of high harmonics of 785-nm Ti:sapphire radiation. The harmonics were generated in argon and nitrogen gas. When the driving field is elliptically polarized, there is, in general, an offset angle between the major axis of the driving field’s polarization ellipse and the polarization of the harmonics. The ellipticity of the harmonic polarization is also generally different from that of the driving field. There are substantial differences in behavior between the two gases, particularly for harmonics whose energies lie close to the ionization potential.
Prostacyclin Synthesis Elicited by Endothelin-1 in Rat Aorta Is Mediated by an ETA Receptor via Influx of Calcium and Is Independent of Protein Kinase C

Abstract The purpose of this study was to characterize the receptor(s) and second messenger systems involved in prostacyclin (prostaglandin [PG] I 2 ) synthesis elicited by endothelin (ET)-1 in the rat aorta. PGI 2 synthesis, measured as immunoreactive 6-keto-PGF 1α , was assessed in aortic rings exposed to endothelin receptor agonists in the presence and absence of selective ET A and ET B receptor antagonists. ET-1, which has equal affinity for both endothelin receptor subtypes, and ET-3, a preferential ET B receptor agonist, enhanced 6-keto-PGF 1α synthesis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. ET-1 was more potent than ET-3 in increasing 6-keto-PGF 1α synthesis. Moreover, the selective ET B receptor agonists IRL-1620 and sarafotoxin S6c did not significantly increase 6-keto-PGF 1α synthesis. Furthermore, ET-1–induced 6-keto-PGF 1α synthesis was attenuated by an ET A receptor antagonist, BQ-123, in a dose-dependent manner but not by an ET B receptor antagonist, BQ-788. Depletion of extracellular Ca 2+ or addition of Ca 2+ channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil, SK&F 96365) attenuated ET-1–mediated 6-keto-PGF 1α synthesis, while a Ca 2+ channel agonist, S (−)-Bay K 8644, potentiated this effect of ET-1. Selective protein kinase C inhibitors (bisindolylmaleimide I, calphostin C) did not alter ET-1–induced 6-keto-PGF 1α synthesis. These data suggest that PGI 2 synthesis elicited by ET-1 in the rat aorta is mediated primarily through influx of extracellular Ca 2+ via activation of an ET A receptor and is independent of protein kinase C.
A Multiagent-Based Dispatching Scheme for Distributed Generators for Voltage Support on Distribution Feeders

This paper illustrates how a multiagent system (MAS)-based scheme can be developed for a control/optimization problem. The prototype problem considered is the dispatching of distributed generators on a distribution feeder to provide voltage support. The popular control net protocol (CNP) for MAS has been adopted to facilitate distributed control. This paper illustrates that characterization of the optimal solution is necessary in order to develop a protocol for the MAS to implement. This paper also shows that MAS facilitates a model-free control procedure, as it can monitor the local sensitivities. Test results, based on simulations on a prototype feeder, show that the proposed MAS-based control scheme is very effective in obtaining the solution for the prototype problem. The proposed method needs fast communication among the distributed generators (DGs) in order to assure fast response during emergency conditions. Communication requirements have also been identified in this paper
Ultra-Fast and Sensitive Detection of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Using Microwave-Accelerated Metal- Enhanced Fluorescence (''MAMEF'')

Certain serovars of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica cause invasive disease (e.g., enteric fever, bacteremia, septicemia, meningitis, etc.) in humans and constitute a global public health problem. A rapid, sensitive diagnostic test is needed to allow prompt initiation of therapy in individual patients and for measuring disease burden at the population level. An innovative and promising new rapid diagnostic technique is microwave-accelerated metal-enhanced fluorescence (MAMEF). We have adapted this assay platform to detect the chromosomal oriC locus common to all Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovars. We have shown efficient lysis of biologically relevant concentrations of Salmonella spp. suspended in bacteriological media using microwave-induced lysis. Following lysis and DNA release, as little as 1 CFU of Salmonella in 1 ml of medium can be detected in <30 seconds. Furthermore the assay is sensitive and specific: it can detect oriC from Salmonella serovars Typhi, Paratyphi A, Paratyphi B, Paratyphi C, Typhimurium, Enteritidis and Choleraesuis but does not detect Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae or Acinetobacter baumanii. We have also performed preliminary experiments using a synthetic Salmonella oriC oligonucleotide suspended in whole human blood and observed rapid detection when the sample was diluted 1∶1 with PBS. These pre-clinical data encourage progress to the next step to detect Salmonella in blood (and other ordinarily sterile, clinically relevant body fluids).
Effects of sodium butyrate on mouse neuroblastoma cells in culture.

Abstract Uncloned and cloned mouse neuroblastoma cells in vitro developed neurite-like processes upon treatment for 48 hr with 10−6 to 3 × 10−4 M sodium butyrate. Although treatment with 5 × 10−4M sodium butyrate caused neurite formation after 18 hr, the per cent of the cells having neurities returned to control level by 48 hr of treatment. Cell division decreased and acetylcholinesterase activity increased with 5 × 10−4M sodium butyrate; these parameters were unaltered in the presence of 10−6 or 10−5M sodium butyrate. Sodium butyrate was more effective than sodium propionate or sodium valerate in causing a decrease in cell division and an increase in acetylcholinesterase activity, and sodium isobutyrate or gamma aminobutyric acid was ineffective. The effects of sodium butyrate on cell division and acetylcholinesterase activity were reversible after treatment was discontinued. It is concluded that the ability of butyrate to stimulate neurite formation at low concentrations is opposed by additional actions on the cell as its concentration is increased.
Helminths of the Mao-Son Frog, Hylarana maosonensis (Anura: Ranidae), from Vietnam

Abstract The initial helminth list for Hylarana maosonensis is established: 1 species of Digenea, Pleurogenoides sphaericus; 3 species of Nematoda, Aplectana macintoshii, Cosmocerca ornata, and Seuratascaris nimidica; and 1 species of Acanthocephala, Pseudoacanthocephalus nguyenthileae. Vietnam is a new locality record for C. ornata and S. numidica.
LED-based Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor for quantitative dynamic monitoring of biomolecular interactions

Abstract Label-free optical biosensors have been established as proven tools for monitoring specific biomolecular interactions. However, compact and robust embodiments of such instruments have yet to be introduced in order to provide sensitive, quantitative, and high-throughput biosensing for low-cost research and clinical applications. Here we present the Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor (IRIS) using an inexpensive and durable multi-color LED illumination source to monitor protein–protein and DNA–DNA interactions. We demonstrate the capability of this system to dynamically monitor antigen–antibody interactions with a noise floor of 5.2 pg/mm 2 and DNA single mismatch detection under denaturing conditions in an array format. Our experiments show that this platform has comparable sensitivity to high-end label-free biosensors at a much lower cost with the capability to be translated to field-deployable applications.
MUON g -2 AND OTHER CONSTRAINTS ON A MODEL OF WEAK AND ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERACTIONS WITHOUT NEUTRAL CURRENTS.

A simple spontaneously broken gauge model of electromagnetic and weak interactions without neutral currents has recently been constructed by Georgi and Glashow. Models of this sort characteristically contain a variety of hypothetical particles: intermediate vector bosons, one or more massive scalars, heavy leptons, "charmed" hadrons. In this paper we show that the agreement between the conventional calculation of muon $g\ensuremath{-}2$ and experimental data imposes relations among the masses of the intermediate vector meson, the heavy leptons associated with the muon, and the Higgs scalar meson, in the Georgi-Glashow model. We also deduce additional constraints on models of this sort from muonic atom data, and we briefly discuss scattering phenomena involving the presently unobserved particles of the Georgi-Glashow model.
Anatomy of Failure: Bush’s Decision‐Making Process and the Iraq War

The Bush administration’s decision-making process leading to the invasion of Iraq in 2003 has been singled out for its many shortcomings: failure of intelligence; lack of debate concerning options; an insufficient invading force; and poor postwar planning. Contrary to the administration’s claim that no one foresaw the difficulties of waging a war in Iraq, many concerns about the challenges the United States would face were raised inside and outside of government. Yet, none of this information had a significant effect on the decision-making process. This paper develops a decision-making model that integrates elements from the individual to the organizational level and explains how important information was marginalized, leading to a poor policy outcome. The model illustrates how the combined effects of the president’s formal management style, anticipatory compliance on the part of key players, bureaucratic politics, and the intervening variable of the 9/11 terrorist attacks contributed to a defective decision-making process.
Isolation criteria for the wavelet transform mod-max method

Isolation criteria for adjacent signal variations are developed for the wavelet transform modulus-maximus (mod-max) method. These criteria are developed with respect to the tracking of mod-max extrema. Scales are defined for which adjacent signal variations-singularities and smooth variations-may be accurately tracked and may provide accurate information for use with the mod-max method.
Rationale for a Generic Phytosanitary Irradiation Dose of 70 Gy for the Genus Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae)

ABSTRACT The phytosanitary irradiation (PI) literature relating to the genus Anastrepha was analyzed to determine if it was sufficient to support a generic dose 230 species only 7 have been consistently of quarantine significance, and PI research has been reported on all but one of those. The measure of efficacy for PI of Tephritidae is prevention of adult emergence when eggs or larvae are irradiated in fruit; the 3rd instar is the most radio-tolerant stage. Large-scale testing where ∼100,000 third instars have been treated at one dose with no adults emerging has been successfully conducted at up to 100 Gy with 4 species. However, a rationale for a generic dose of 70 Gy is given based on the apparent homogeneity in response to radiation within the genus and the fact that the Internation...
Resistance is futile: the bacteriocin model for addressing the antibiotic resistance challenge

Pathogenic bacteria resistant to many or all antibiotics already exist. With the decline in microbiological research at pharmaceutical companies, the high rate at which resistance has evolved and spread has demanded a novel approach to addressing this critical human health issue. In the present paper, we propose a new paradigm in antibiotic discovery and development, one that applies ecological and evolutionary theory to design antimicrobial drugs that are more difficult and/or more costly to resist. In essence, we propose to simply adopt the strategies invented and applied by bacteria for hundreds of millions of years. Our research focuses on bacteriocins, powerful biological weapons, and their use as alternative therapeutics in human health.
Quantitative studies on relationship between estrogen and mammary gland carcinoma in strain C3H mice.

This paper reports on experiments of a quantitative relationship between the internal secretion of the ovary and carcinoma of the mammary gland in mice. 206 strain C3H mice were used; 122 were experimental (males) and 84 were controls (38 males; 46 female). Injections of estradiol benzoate were carried out from the age of 2 weeks onward as follows: Group 1 received 3000 rat units in 2 doses over 3 days. Group 2-6 received 100 rat units weekly for 4 8 12 16 and 20 weeks. Group 7 received 100 rat units weekly throughout the duration of life. The presence or absence of tumors was determined by gross inspection at necropsy. No tumors developed in the animals of Groups 1 or 2. A low incidence was observed in Groups 3 and 4. A relatively high and essentially equal percentage of tumors developed in mice of Groups 5 6 7; neoplasms occurred at the same average age. The female controls developed a higher percentage of tumors than any of the experimental groups; the tumors appeared at an older age. No tumors occurred in the male controls.
Biodegradation of [14C]Tri-p-Cresyl Phosphate in a Laboratory Activated-Sludge System

Biodegradation of [14C]tri-p-cresyl phosphate was studied in a laboratory model sewage treatment system to develop information on the nature of its transformation products. In 24-h experiments, 70 to 80% of tri-p-cresyl phosphate added at the 1-μg/ml level was degraded. The remaining parent compound was associated with the sludge solids. The major metabolite extracted with ethyl ether from the aqueous phase was identified as p-hydroxybenzoic acid by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Two unstable ether-extractable metabolites were not identified. The half-life of [14C]tri-p-cresyl phosphate was estimated to be 7.5 h.
Wave-packet scattering without kinematic entanglement: convergence of expectation values

The wave packet spread of a particle in a collection of different mass particles, all with Gaussian wave functions, evolves to a value that is inversely proportional to the mass of the particle. The assumptions underlying this result and its derivation are reviewed. A mathematical demonstration of the convergence of an iteration central to this assertion is presented. Finally, the question of in-principle measurement of wave packet spread is taken up.
The Importance of Race and Religion in Social Service Providers

Objectives The objectives of this study are to investigate the traits that clients find important in professional social service providers, comparing confidence in client management skills (friendliness, experience, and knowledge) to desire for demographic characteristics (being of the same race and religion). Methods To accomplish this task, we use multiple regression to analyze results of the Lehigh Valley Trust Survey of low-income recipients of social services. Results While most respondents find the professional traits important, there is significant variation in whether respondents consider demographic characteristics to be important. We find that having a provider of the same race is very important for African Americans and Hispanics, while having a provider with similar religious beliefs is extremely important for evangelical Protestants. Other predictive variables for homophilous preferences in race and religion are age, mobility, and education. Conclusions Professional skills corresponding to organizational position are important to most people, but specific demographic groups prioritize racial, ethnic, and religious homophily. While we suggest some possible explanations (perceived or actual discrimination and cultural concordance), further research is needed to determine the causes.
The Effect of Diet During the Growing Period on the Reproductive Performance of Force-Molted Turkey Breeder Hens

Abstract Large White turkey females that had been reared under conditions of natural increasing daylength and had received diets with both low and high levels of energy failed to lay at a normal rate initially. These females were force-molted to determine if this practice could be used to extend their reproductive life. The results of this study indicate that neither lighting conditions nor diet received by turkeys during the growing period had any effect on egg production during the post-molt period and that turkeys which laid at a poor rate during the pre-molt will produce normally after force-molting.
Influence of Bioselector Processes on 17α-Ethinylestradiol Biodegradation in Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Systems

The removal of the potent endocrine-disrupting estrogen hormone, 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), in municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) activated sludge (AS) processes can occur through biodegradation by heterotrophic bacteria growing on other organic wastewater substrates. Different kinetic and metabolic substrate utilization conditions created with AS bioselector processes can affect the heterotrophic population composition in AS. The primary goal of this research was to determine if these changes also affect specific EE2 biodegradation kinetics. A series of experiments were conducted with parallel bench-scale AS reactors treating municipal wastewater with estrogens at 100-300 ng/L concentrations to evaluate the effect of bioselector designs on pseudo first-order EE2 biodegradation kinetics normalized to mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (VSS). Kinetic rate coefficient (kb) values for EE2 biodegradation ranged from 5.0 to 18.9 L/g VSS/d at temperatures of 18 °C to 24 °C. EE2 kb values for aerobic biomass growth at low initial food to mass ratio feeding conditions (F/Mf) were 1.4 to 2.2 times greater than that from growth at high initial F/Mf. Anoxic/aerobic and anaerobic/aerobic metabolic bioselector reactors achieving biological nutrient removal had similar EE2 kb values, which were lower than that in aerobic AS reactors with biomass growth at low initial F/Mf. These results provide evidence that population selection with growth at low organic substrate concentrations can lead to improved EE2 biodegradation kinetics in AS treatment.
Synthetic advancements and catalytic applications of nickel nitride

Transition metal carbides and nitrides have received a large amount of attention in chemistry and materials science due to their interesting properties and potential to substitute precious metal catalysts. Earth-abundant early transition metal carbides and nitrides were the primary focus of many efforts, while late transition metal alternatives are less explored. This brief review discusses recently published chemical reports that focus on the controlled synthesis of nickel nitride and its composites. The fundamental properties of nickel nitride, such as thermal, structural, and magnetic properties are examined. Furthermore, implementation of nickel nitride materials as catalysts in energy-related applications is thoroughly covered.
MODEL TEST RESEARCH ON ANTI-EXPLOSION CAPACITY OF UNDERGROUND OPENINGS WITH END WAVE-DECAY BY HOLES AND REINFORCED BY DENSE ROCK BOLTS

Based on anti-explosion model test device,the anti-explosion capacity of underground openings,which are reinforced by rock bolts with end wave-decay by holes and reinforced by dense rock bolts,is studied under explosive stress waves produced by focus charging. By comparing anti-explosion capacities of three underground openings,the differences of vertical stresses,relative roof-to-floor displacements of three underground openings, surface strains of three underground openings,accelerations of roof and floor of three underground openings and damage shapes of three underground openings are analyzed. The results show that under explosive stress waves, the relative roof-to-floor displacements and maximum surface strains of underground openings are reduced without severe damage;and the acceleration of roof is also decreased to certain degree. It is also shown that the fractures of underground openings are distributed at both sides of arch foots,but the fractures on the arches of two underground openings are fewer;and their surrounding rocks are lightly damaged. These conditions indicate that the underground openings with end wave-decay by holes and reinforced by dense rock bolts can increase their anti-explosion capacities.
Biological characterization of the hygrobafilomycin antibiotic JBIR-100 and bioinformatic insights into the hygrolide family of natural products

The hygrolides, a family of 16-member-ring-containing plecomacrolides produced by Actinobacteria, exhibit numerous reported bioactivities. Using HR-MS/MS, nucleophilic 1,4-addition-based labeling, NMR, and bioinformatic analysis, we identified Streptomyces varsoviensis as a novel producer of JBIR-100, a fumarate-containing hygrolide, and elucidated the previously unknown stereochemistry of the natural product. We investigated the antimicrobial activity of JBIR-100, with preliminary insight into mode of action indicating that it perturbs the membrane of Bacillus subtilis. S. varsoviensis is known to produce compounds from multiple hygrolide sub-families, namely hygrobafilomycins (JBIR-100 and hygrobafilomycin) and bafilomycins (bafilomycin C1 and D). In light of this, we identified the biosynthetic gene cluster for JBIR-100, which, to our knowledge, represents the first reported for a hygrobafilomycin. Finally, we performed a bioinformatic analysis of the hygrolide family, describing clusters from known and predicted producers. Our results indicate that potential remains for the Actinobacteria to yield novel hygrolide congeners, perhaps with differing biological activities.
Gastroduodenal mucosal injury during hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapeutic agents. Lack of cytoprotection by prostaglandin E1 analogue.

Abstract Eighteen colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases receiving hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapeutic agents (mitomycin-C + 5-FUDR) were randomized to receive misoprostol (a prostaglandin E 1 analogue) or placebo as a mode of cytoprotection against inadvertent gastroduodenal mucosal injury. Four of 10 patients on misoprostol and 3 of 8 patients on placebo developed gastroduodenal mucosal injury (p > 0.1), which was confirmed by endoscopy. Significant tumor responses to chemotherapy were equally distributed between the two groups. Although our sample size was small and type II error (false-negative trial) cannot be excluded, these data strongly suggest that prophylaxis with misoprostol does not prevent the acute gastroduodenal mucosal injury associated with hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapeutic agents.
Optimal sequencing of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy in IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer

Lee et al. questioned the optimal sequencing of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) and postoperative chemotherapy (POCT) after surgery for patients with IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which was left untested in a prospective randomized setting (1); and performed the PORT-first strategy with an institutional multidisciplinary consensus, based on their hypothesis that the PORT-first strategy possibly being more effective in locoregional control than the PORT after POCT without compromising proven overall survival benefit of POCT.
Organic brain syndromes: new classification, concepts and prospects

The concept, definitions and classification of organic mental disorders have been radically revised in DSM-III, the new American classification. Seven organic brain syndromes have been included and their diagnostic criteria explicitly formulated. The boundary between so-called functional and organic mental disorders has been blurred. The author discusses these changes in the light of growing importance of organic psychiatry due to aging of the population and the high incidence and prevalence of organic mental disorders in the elderly.
Small Scale Mechatronics Devices as Educational and Research Engineering Tools

Abstract This paper presents several mechatronics equipments of low cost and small scale, employing components and technology applied to model building. All systems were developed and built by students with different levels of knowledge in Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro to aid the teaching, learning and research in Engineering, particularly on the Control and Automation, Mechanical and Mechatronics fields.
Budget Cuts and Managing Bad News and Incentivizing

This case deals with managing the situation when you deliver “bad news,” in this case, budget cuts. It talks of the need to offer hope and a compelling plan and of moving the group from victim to activist. The case illustrates that to accomplish this, you must listen to the dissent and from those concerns find a plan that permits the group’s survival and also addresses their values.
Six-year outcomes in broadly HLA-sensitized living donor transplant recipients desensitized with intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab.

Background Desensitization with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and rituximab can improve transplantation rates in broadly sensitized kidney transplant recipients. However, long-term outcomes are lacking. Here we analyze long-term outcomes in living donor kidney transplant recipients desensitized with this regimen and compare them to low-risk recipients. Methods Living donor kidney transplants that took place between July 2006 and December 2010 were considered retrospectively. The primary end-point of the study was death-censored allograft survival at last follow-up. Secondary end-points included patient survival, incidence of rejection, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and proteinuria. Results There were 66 sensitized and 111 low-risk patients included. Average follow-up was 68 months. There was no difference in long-term patient or graft survival. The rate of rejection was similar in the groups with more early rejection in the sensitized group and more late rejection in the low-risk group. There was more antibody-mediated rejection in the sensitized group. Estimated GFR was similar during the follow-up period. Risk factors for rejection included a positive crossmatch (HR 2.4 CI 1.35-4.40) and age (HR 0.97 CI 0.95-0.99). Conclusions Desensitization with IVIG and rituximab has good long-term results with graft outcomes similar to non-HLA sensitized patients despite higher immunologic risk. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The Use of Cytochrome C Oxidase Enzyme Activity and Immunohistochemistry in Defining Mitochondrial Injury in Kidney Disease

The renal biopsy is a dynamic way of looking at renal disease, and tubular elements are an important part of this analysis. The mitochondria in 20 renal biopsies were examined by immunohistochemical (electron transport chain enzyme: cytochrome C oxidase IV [COX IV]) and enzyme histochemical methods (COX), both by light and electron microscopy. The distal convoluted tubules and thick ascending limbs showed the greatest intensity in the COX immunostains and enzyme activity in controls. The degree of mitochondrial COX protein and enzyme activity diminished as the tubules became atrophic. With proximal hypertrophic changes, there was great variation in both COX activity and protein expression. In contrast, in three cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, biopsied for high-grade proteinuria, the activity was consistently upregulated, whereas protein expression remained normal. These unexpected findings of heterogeneous upregulation in hypertrophy and the dyssynchrony of protein expression and activity may indicate mitochondrial dysregulation. Functional electron microscopy showed COX activity delineated by the intense mitochondrial staining in normal or hypertrophic proximal tubules. With atrophic changes, residual small mitochondria with diminished activity could be seen. With mitochondrial size abnormalities (enlargement and irregularity, adefovir toxicity), activity persisted. In the renal biopsy, mitochondrial analysis is feasible utilizing immunohistochemical and enzyme histochemical techniques.
Nation, Narration, and Health in Mohamedou Ould Slahi's Guantánamo Diary.

Scholars have mostly analyzed information from mental health practitioners, attorneys, and institutions to critique mental health practices in the War on Terror. These sources offer limited insights into the suffering of detainees. Detainee accounts provide novel information based on their experiences at Guantanamo. Mohamedou Ould Slahi's Guantanamo Diary is the only text from a current detainee that provides a first-person account of his interrogations and interactions with health professionals. Despite being advertised as a diary, however, it has undergone redaction from American government officials. This article examines Slahi's account of his interrogations and representations of mental health at Guantanamo and considers its role within the narrative function of the nation. At stake is the right of detainees to narrate, scholars to critique medical practices in the War on Terror, and the nation's attempts to control its narration.
Application of vitamin D and vitamin D analogs in acute myelogenous leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by the accumulation of malignant, transformed immature hematopoietic myeloid precursors that have lost their ability to differentiate and proliferate normally. Current treatment for AML requires intensive cytotoxic chemotherapy and results in significant morbidity and mortality, especially in older patients. Effective and better-tolerated treatment is urgently needed. Studies have shown that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D3, active VD3) or vitamin D analogs (VDAs) can potently differentiate AML cells in vitro and ex vivo, which led to early clinical trials in AML and myelodysplastic syndrome patients. However, one major limiting factor in the clinical application of active VD3 or VDAs is the supraphysiologic dose required, which results in systemic hypercalcemia. Several important questions (i.e., dosage, method of delivery, metabolism of 1,25-D3 in situ, systemic hypercalcemia, and mechanisms of action of combination treatment) have to be addressed before vitamin D treatment can be applied to the clinical setting. This review focuses on 1,25-D3's mechanism of action in AML, preclinical data, and clinical trial outcomes, with an emphasis on major roadblocks to successful trials and suggestions for future directions.
Characterizing left-right gait balance using footstep-induced structural vibrations

In this paper, we introduce a method for estimating human left/right walking gait balance using footstep-induced structural vibrations. Understanding human gait balance is an integral component of assessing gait, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, overall health status, and risk of falls. Existing techniques utilize pressure- sensing mats, wearable devices, and human observation-based assessment by healthcare providers. These existing methods are collectively limited in their operation and deployment; often requiring dense sensor deployment or direct user interaction. To address these limitations, we utilize footstep-induced structural vibration responses. Based on the physical insight that the vibration energy is a function of the force exerted by a footstep, we calculate the vibration signal energy due to a footstep and use it to estimate the footstep force. By comparing the footstep forces while walking, we determine balance. This approach enables non-intrusive gait balance assessment using sparsely deployed sensors. The primary research challenge is that the floor vibration signal energy is also significantly affected by the distance between the footstep location and the vibration sensor; this function is unclear in real-world scenarios and is a mixed function of wave propagation and structure-dependent properties. We overcome this challenge through footstep localization and incorporating structural factors into an analytical force-energy-distance function. This function is estimated through a nonlinear least squares regression analysis. We evaluate the performance of our method with a real-world deployment in a campus building. Our approach estimates footstep forces with a RMSE of 61.0N (8% of participant's body weight), representing a 1.54X improvement over the baseline.
Lessons on social enterprise from the father of capitalism: A dialectical analysis of Adam Smith

Despite the growing interest in the role firms play in generating social welfare, the literature on social enterprise provides little actionable advice for managers seeking to promote the competing...
Hereditary Endometrial Carcinoma

Advances in molecular testing have both increased recognition of heritable cancer syndromes and provided tools for their clinical diagnosis. Familial cancer syndromes that manifest in endometrial cancer include Lynch syndrome and Cowden syndrome, with very rare contributions by Cowden-like syndromes. Germline BRCA mutations have not yet been directly associated with increased endometrial cancer risk, but do appear to predispose patients to endometrial carcinogenesis indirectly through high rates of tamoxifen exposure
Infant Sleep in a Family Context

This chapter reviews the SIESTA research program and its contributions to our understanding of the role of family processes in the development of sleep in infancy during the past seven years, and the reciprocal impact of infant sleep on family life. Building on Sadeh and Anders’ (Infant Mental Health Journal 14(1):17–34, 1993) transactional/ecological model of infant sleep, SIESTA makes use of direct observations of parenting during infant bedtimes and across the night to examine the direct and interactive role of parenting practices and parenting quality in predicting infant sleep quality, how both are important in predicting sleep quality in infancy, and how parenting in infant sleep contexts is also predicted by infant sleep quality. Also discussed are linkages between maternal personal distress and coparenting distress (i.e., distress about how parents are working together in caring for the infant), nighttime parenting, infant sleep quality, and choice of infant sleep arrangements. The SIESTA program on infants, and newly funded SIESTA projects on parenting, child sleep, and children’s transition to kindergarten, extend earlier work by demonstrating complex bidirectional linkages between child sleep development, child and parent sleep quality, and the larger family system.