cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Digestive retention times for Allen's swamp monkey and L'Hoest's monkey: data with implications for the evolution of cercopithecine digestive strategy.

Primates access energy from plant fiber via bacterial fermentation in either a modified forestomach (‘foregut’), a caecocolic (‘hindgut’) chamber of the large intestine, or both. Longer digestive retention times allow for more complete fermentation; as such, primates that consume an herbivorous diet high in fiber are expected to have both relatively and absolutely longer retention times than those mammals that rely on more readily digestible plant foods, such as fruit. We used particulate markers to measure the digestive retention times of captive Allen's swamp monkeys [Allenopithecus nigroviridis (Pocock, 1907)] (n= 3) and L'Hoest's monkey (Cercopithecus lhoesti P. Sclater, 1899) (n= 2). Results indicate mean retention times of 23.2–29.4 h and 23.2–24.0 h for C. lhoesti and A. nigroviridus, respectively. Results from this study, in combination with previously published data on digestive retention times in other primate species, indicate that cercopithecines differ from other primate taxa by having lengthier retention times that can be predicted by body mass alone. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that relatively lengthy retention times are a primitive trait for Cercopithecinae.
Calculating sharp adaptation rules

Abstract Adaptation rules adapt the pre-post specification of a procedure to contexts where it is called. Such rules are important for practical reasons and necessary for completeness for languages with recursive procedures. A sharp rule is one that gives the weakest precondition with respect to a given postcondition. A number of rules have been proposed, most unsound or incomplete or non-sharp. Using refinement algebra, we clarify and extend the applicability of previously proposed sharp rules for total correctness and show how further rules may be found.
The application of distance functions to the optimization of robot motion in the presence of obstacles

An approach to robotic path planning, which allows optimization of useful performance indices in the presence of obstacles, is given. The main idea is to express obstacle avoidance in terms of the distances between potentially colliding parts. Mathematical properties of the distance functions are studied and under certain conditions the derivatives of the distance functions are characterized. The results lead to a general formulation of path planning problems and suggest numerical procedures for their solution. A simple numerical example involving a 3-degree of freedom cartesian manipulator is described.
Optimization of Reliable Transparent Organic Light‐Emitting Devices

The optical and electrical properties of the Mg-Ag/ITO electrode of transparent organic light emitting devices (TOLED) have been extensively studied. An optimum thickness of Mg-Ag has been chosen to achieve low operational voltage and high transparency. A more than 20-fold improvement in ITO deposition rate over that previously reported has been achieved. Reliability data comparable to those of conventional OLEDs have been obtained.
Strategic unification in IT functional reorganization

This paper summarizes advantages and disadvantages of decentralized approaches to information technology management discovered at Utah State University. A strategic methodology was used to coordinate and unify through a comprehensive reorganization of central IT units and services (as opposed to a wholesale centralization).
Electric-field distribution inside the bacterial photosynthetic reaction center of Rhodopseudomonas viridis

Abstract The electric-field distribution inside the bacterial photosynthetic reaction center of Rhodopseudomonas viridis was obtained by solving the linearized Poisson—Boltzmann equation with a grid size of (2 A)3. The order of potentials induced by the protein medium for the four heme groups in the cytochrome part is Hm1: 310 mV; Hm2: 370mV; Hm4: 380 mV; Hm3: 130 mV. The potential profile is similar along both the L and the M branches, a result of the C2 symmetry related environment. In both the L and the M subunits, bacteriochlorophyll has the lowest potential. It is shown that the Poisson—Boltzmann method can also be used to analyze the variation of local fields inside proteins in response to applied fields. For the reaction center, the dielectric response to an applied field is anistropic. There are significant induced x and y components of the internal field for an applied field along the z direction (the C2 axis). Thus the effective dielectric-constant tensor of the protein medium has non-zero off-diagonal elements. Analysis of how the applied field and ionic strength influence the internal field indicates that there is relatively small screening due to free solvent in the complex. The difference between the potentials at various cofactors is due to the sum of small contributions from the protein environment, rather than a few charged residues.
Soil Aggregate and Texture Effects on Suspension Components from Wind Erosion

Many detrimental impacts are caused by the suspension-size (<0.10-mm) dust (SSD) generated during wind erosion. Prediction models of SSD are needed to assess SSD magnitudes and also aid in design of controls. Current models tend to lump together all sources of SSD from the soil surface, and their overall structure is best suited for use on large, uniform source areas. We reviewed equations developed to simulate generation of SSD on a subfield scale from individual structural components of the soil. These sources include direct emission of loose SSD, abrasion of SSD from surface clods by impacting saltating aggregates, and breakdown of saltating soil aggregates to SSD. The main objective of this study was to experimentally determine the effects of aggregate structure and soil texture on the individual SSD sources for a range of Kansas soils. Periodic sampling of 11 soils showed that the fraction of loose SSD in the upper 20 mm available for emission ranged from 0.7 to 80% of soil mass. However, variation in the mean SSD fraction in these soils was directly related to soil texture (r 2 = 0.87). Content of SSD in the total mass abraded from clods in a wind tunnel ranged from 14 to 27%. This range was relatively narrow, but related to parent soil clay content (r 2 = 0.69). Saltation-size aggregates were about nine times more stable than target clods of the same soils. However, the production of SSD based on breakage coefficients of saltating aggregates was also related to clay content of the parent soils (r 2 = 0.96).
Application-layer design patterns for accountable-anonymous online identities

Both anonymity and accountability play important roles in sustaining the Internet's functionality; however, there is a common misconception that increasing the anonymity of Internet identities requires diminishing their accountability, and vice versa. This paper argues that by implementing accountability mechanisms and anonymity protections at the application layer of the Internet, rather than the network layer, it is possible to develop a variety of different types of accountable-anonymous virtual identities, tailored to meet the needs of numerous, diverse online applications. Examples are drawn from several identity mechanisms used by existing applications and general design patterns for implementing accountability are discussed, with particular emphasis on designing identity investment-privilege trade-offs, conditional anonymity schemes, and aggregated, identity management systems, as well as the role of scoped identities and linked identities in promoting online accountability. Application-layer mechanisms allow for a diversity of accountability schemes.Users who invest heavily in their online identities may be given more privileges.Users can increase investment by linking identities across multiple applications.Identity scheme customization for applications increases designer and user choice.
What is the Effect of Performance Measurement on Perceived Accountability Effectiveness in State and Local Government Contracts

Designing and implementing performance measurement systems in public contracts is not easy. Little evidence is available on what measures work better in producing managerial benefits. This study evaluates the effect of different performance measurement practices on accountability effectiveness in government contracts. The findings suggest that performance measurement has a positive impact on government's ability to effectively manage contracts. More specifically, measuring costs, client impact, service timeliness, and disruptions, as well as specifying detailed processes for service delivery, are associated with higher perceived accountability effectiveness. At the same time, evaluating quality and client satisfaction, and using informal monitoring techniques have a negative impact on accountability effectiveness. The results of this study provide motivation for contract managers to optimize performance monitoring and reduce transaction costs by relying on measures that are more likely to improve contract...
The revolution in domestic hotel management contracts

Abstract The changing economic environment of the hotel industry has altered the traditional relationship of management company and owner. The results of those changes in relative bargaining strength are reflected in the provisions of contemporary American management contracts
An ab Initio Study of the Kinetics of the Reactions of Halomethanes with the Hydroxyl Radical. Part 1: CH2Br2

Ab initio calculations were carried out with Moeller-Plesset second- and fourth-order perturbation theory (MP2 and MP4), and the coupled cluster method, CCSD(T), on the H atom abstraction reaction from dibromomethane by hydroxyl radical attack. Geometry optimization and vibrational frequency calculations at the MP2 level were performed on reactants, products, and the transition state using the 6-311G(d,p) and 6-311G(2d,2p) basis sets. The geometry parameters optimized at the MP2/6-311G(2d,2p) level of theory were used in single-point energy calculations with increasing basis set sizes, from 6-311G(2d,2p) to 6-311++G(3df,3pd) at both the MP2 and MP4 (SDTQ) levels of theory. Canonical transition-state theory was used to predict the rate constants as a function of the temperature (250--400 K). It was found that the kinetic parameters obtained in this work with the spin-projected method PMP4(SDTQ)/6-311++G(3df,3pd)//MP2/6-311G(2d,2p) are in reasonable agreement with the experimental values. The prospect of using relatively low level ab initio electronic structure calculations aimed at the implementation of inexpensive semiquantitative screening tools that could air scientists in predicting the kinetics of similar processes is also discussed.
Modeling and control of interconnected dimensionless dynamic systems

Previous work has found benefit in using dimensional analysis in the modeling and control of dynamic systems. What has not been explored is how multiple dimensionless dynamic systems would interconnect and interact with one another. This work presents an initial investigation into the interconnection of dimensionless dynamic systems, including an analysis of the differences between interconnecting dimensioned and dimensionless systems. A strategy is developed to interconnect dimensionless dynamic systems and explored using models of multiple fluid power components. The interconnection strategy is tested through controller design and simulation, which reveals insight into the dimensionless transformation of the original dynamic systems.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Micromechanical Discrete Element Modeling of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

An analytical model of mechanical behavior of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites using an advanced discrete element model (DEM) coupled with imaging techniques is presented in this article. The analysis focuses on composite materials molded by vacuum assisted resin transfer molding. The molded composite structure consists of eight-harness carbon fiber fabrics and a high-temperature polymer. The actual structure of the molded material was captured in digital images using optical microscopy. DEM was developed using the image-based-shape structural model to predict the composite elastic modulus, stress–strain response, and compressive strength. An experimental case study is presented to evaluate the accuracy of the developed analytical model. The results indicate that the imagebased DEM micromechanical model showed fairly accurate predictions for the elastic modulus and compressive strength. POLYM. COMPOS., 32:1532–1540, 2011. a 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Grand challenges in glass science

INTRODUCTION Glass science offers researchers an ample range of open questions, starting from one of the most difficult problems in science: the basic nature of the glassy state. Atomic-level descriptions of the glassy state are extremely complex due to the lack of long-range order found in crystalline materials. Our understanding of fundamental glass physics and chemistry is also hindered by the non-equilibrium thermodynamic state of glass. Recent theoretical and experimental advances are enabling the field to mature from an empirical discipline to one built upon rigorous scientific principles. These advancements not only offer a remarkable level of understanding but also contribute to the atomic-level design of novel functional glasses (Mauro et al., 2013a). Glass science combines the cutting edge of a multitude of technical subjects: physics, chemistry, geology, engineering, and mathematics. Glass transition and relaxation phenomena are at the frontiers of condensed matter and statistical physics. From a chemical perspective, a nearly infinite combination of compositions can lead to successful glass formation. To facilitate progress at a large scale and exploit all of the unique properties that glasses may offer, the boundaries of glass engineering technology must also be pushed forward. Recent advances of the domain have coincided with an unprecedented demand for glass as a high-tech material in consumer electronic devices. Working in the field of glass has never been more stimulating – glass plays a critical role in solving several of the global energy and healthcare challenges of today.
Investigation of molecular motion in collagen using the spin-probe technique.

The spin-probe technique was employed to study molecular motion in collagen and modified collagen samples in the −160° to +200°C region. The effect of water content in the 0–30-wt. % range, relative to vacuum dried samples, on the electron spin resonance spectrum of the probe was also investigated. The spectra at the lowest temperatures consisted of a broad asymmetric triplet. Narrowing of this triplet above −40° to −70°C and the appearance of additional lines in the spectrum, interpreted as due to a narrow triplet, at a temperature dependent on the water content were observed. For samples with low water contents [(0–0.4)%] the broad triplet was that expected for a glassy system up to 150–190°C; for these samples the narrow triplet appears at a temperature above 50°C, its intensity increasing with increasing temperature up to 70–100°C, then decreasing with a further temperature increase. For samples with water contents near 30%, the narrow triplet first completely appears at about 0°C, and reaches relative intensities of 35% at 30°C. The motion taking place in collagen and related samples is discussed in terms of these results.
The nasopharynx in oral and maxillofacial radiology: II. Malignant lesions

This is not a comprehensive review of all benign lesions that can be found in the nasopharynx, but merely a review of the relationship of the nasopharynx to its surroundings. It is also a reminder of the need for the oral and maxillofacial radiologist to be familiar with this area, because it often appears on radiographs made for other purposes, or to investigate problems that have extended to and from the nasopharynx and the oral and maxillofacial region.
The Globalization of Rhetoric and Its Discontents

In line with the old Quaker adage, “My enemy’s enemy is my friend,” our response reflected an uneasy alliance of disparate elements that, on other occasions, would have been at odds. In his current piece, not surprisingly, Simons exploits some of the internal disagreements that had to be papered over to face the common foe of rhetorical globalization. Here I break cover and write exclusively under my own name. 3 For didactic purposes, though, let me begin by highlighting one defining tension in our original response to Simons. Perhaps this is represented best by comparing Michael Leff to Alan Gross. Both defend rhetorical protectionism, but on radically different ― even mutually opposed ― grounds. 4 Leff draws on criteria of legitimate lineage: Rhetoric is whatever can be shown to have descended from the classical tradition of public address. As might be expected of a family whose members have bred freely over many centuries, there are many mongrels along the way. Leff holds that it is possible nevertheless, on relatively strict genealogical grounds, to say that certain ideas or
Clinical review 36: Cardiovascular manifestations of endocrine disease.

NDOCRINE diseases affect multiple organs, almost always involving the heart and cardiovascular system. In many cases the adaptive cardiac response is physiologically normal and the clinical findings are subtle. Conversely, cardiovascular manifestations can be the presenting or predominate finding for such diseases as hyperthyroidism, acromegaly or carcinoid syndrome. In the present review we will address the changes, including alterations in blood pressure, vascular resistance, cardiac work, cardiac growth, arrhythmias, ischemic and valvular heart disease and the cardiac related morbidity which accompanies endocrine disease (Table 1). The hypothesis that we will explore is whether these manifestations are a result of primary effects upon the heart or whether the effects are secondary as a consequence of the cardiac response to systemic perturbations mediated by endocrine disease. Emphasis will be placed on the pathophysiology of these changes and the response to palliative as well as to definitive treatment. Hyperthyroidism Since the earliest descriptions by Caleb Perry and Robert Graves (see Ref 1) the association between hyperthyroidism and a hyperdynamic cardiovascular system has been noted. As a result of the effects of thyroid hormone on the peripheral circulation and on the heart, hyperthyroidism results in a fall in systemic vascular resistance, an increase in cardiac output and cardiac work and enhanced left ventricular contractility (1). Although this is observed clinically as a rapid heart rate with a widened pulse pressure and hyperdynamic precordial activity with increased cutaneous blood flow, the physiological consequence is an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption and under certain circumstances cardiac hypertrophy. Certain symptoms, including exercise intolerance, dyspnea on exertion and heart failure have led clinicians to postulate an effect of thyroid hormone on the heart. In their studies of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with exercise, Forfar and colleagues (2) have observed that the failure to increase the LVEF in exercising hyperthyroid patients was corrected by rendering the subjects euthyroid. This observation led them to postulate a reversible form of hyperthyroid cardi
Note on Noetherian filtrations

Let R be a commutative ring with a filtration . Then f is said to be Noetherian in case the associated graded ring is Noetherian. The main result gives several characterizations of a Noetherian filtration on a Noetherian ring, and these are used to correct some erroneous results in the literature. They are then extended to filtrations on modules, and then these generalizations are tied in to some related results in the literature.
Human monocyte CD163 expression inversely correlates with soluble CD163 plasma levels

Background CD163 is a monocyte/macrophage-restricted receptor involved in the clearance of hemoglobin–haptoglobin complexes and regulation of inflammatory processes. CD163 is shed from the cell surface and exists as a soluble form in plasma (sCD163). Monocyte CD163 and sCD163 are potential diagnostic tools in variety of disease states. Methods We determined the relation between plasma sCD163 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, membrane expressions of CD163, CD64, and CD14 on blood monocytes by flow cytometry, and monocyte counts in 129 random blood samples. Results A strong inverse correlation was found between membrane CD163 expression and sCD163 levels (r = −0.65, P < 0.001). Monocyte CD163 expression and SCD163 levels did not correlate with the monocyte absolute count. Conclusions The inverse relation between monocyte surface CD163 expression and sCD163 levels in human blood suggests that plasma sCD163 is derived from circulating monocytes, in addition to an unknown component from tissue macrophages. The lack of correlation with the absolute monocyte number suggests that such a balance is driven by the functional state of monocytes, rather than simply by numerical changes in circulating cells. We propose that further clinical evaluations of CD163 as a diagnostic parameter should include simultaneous measurements of soluble and cell-bound forms of this antigen. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electromagnetic Formation Flight for Multisatellite Arrays

The use of propellant to maintain the relative orientation of multiple spacecraft in a sparse aperture telescope such as NASA’s Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) poses several issues. These include fuel depletion, optical contamination, plume impingement, thermal emission, and vibration excitation. An alternative is to eliminate the need for propellant, except for orbit transfer, and replace it with electromagnetic control. Relative separation, relative attitude, and inertial rotation of the array can all be controlled by creating electromagnetic dipoles on each spacecraft, in concert with reaction wheels, and varying their strengths and orientations. Whereas this does not require the existence of any naturally occurring magnetic fields, such as the Earth’s, such fields can be exploited. Optimized designs are discussed for a generic system and a feasible design is shown to exist for a five-spacecraft, 75-m baseline TPF interferometer.
TESTING EQUITY AS AN EXPLANATION FOR ROMANTIC COUPLES "MISMATCHED ON PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS

According to the “equity theory” of interpersonal attraction, persons having romantic partners higher in physical attractiveness than themselves should have more desirable nonphysical attributes th...
A state perspective on large scale urban restoration

In 1994 the California and US governments joined together to form "CALFED", an agency and stakeholder consortium to attempt to resolve conflicts arising from the shortage of freshwater water supply for ecosystem health and human needs centered on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, part of the largest estuarine system on the US West Coast. The CALFED program has four major objectives: ecosystem quality, water supply reliability, water quality, and delta levee integrity. Because of the comprehensiveness of the program, an ecosystem approach has proven valuable in developing an implementing ecosystem restoration. This conceptual framework directs both the science and human management of restoration activities, including considerations of scale, adaptive management, and handling complexities.
The Neutron Spectrum of NBS-1

A proposed set of photonuclear cross sections was used to calculate the neutron spectrum of a RaBe photoneutron source. The calculation used the gamma rays from 226Ra in equilibrium as a driver, transported the gamma rays through the materials of the source, calculated neutron production, and subsequent neutron scattering. The calculation produced 27 % more neutrons than measured, and predicted relatively more low-energy neutrons.
Experimental proof of the relation between thickness of the probed surface layer and absorbance in FT-IR/ATR spectroscopy

Experimental investigation has been made of the relation of absorbance of a band in FT-IR/ATR spectroscopy to the thickness of the probed surface layer from the measurements of two-layered samples. The two layered samples are composed of a polystyrene surface layer varying in thickness from 0.01 to 3.64 μm and a polyurethane base layer of 100 μm thickness. The component spectrum of the surface or base layer was separated by spectral subtraction. FT-IR/ATR spectroscopic measurements were mostly measured by nonpolarized incident light. The relation of observed absorbances of several selected bands of both the surface and base layers to the thickness of the surface layer was compared with the theoretical calculations from Harrick's equation. In the comparison, the effect of "nonpolarization" of the incident light was corrected for the observed absorbances. The agreement was excellent between the observation of and the theoretical calculation for both the surface and base layers. A method was proposed to determine the thickness of the spectrally separable surface layer on a film. The usefulness of this method was demonstrated by application to the redetermination of the thickness of the surface layer of the present two-layered samples. An expression was proposed to give the contribution of a surface layer of a certain thickness to the total absorbance of a band in ATR spectroscopy.
Working with Text

In this chapter, I’ll show you how to work with text in the Office applications. As you’ll see, the operations are almost the same for each application, so once you learn to work with text in one application, you’ll be able to work with text in each of the other applications too.
Bolster your budget proposals with IT market basket statistics

Tracking and comparing the costs of IT staples such as equipment, connectivity, and training can underpin your budget proposals with hard numbers. IT spending projections for the year 2000 remain surprisingly low. A review of all companies surveyed reveals a maximum IT spending increase of 30 percent at one end of the scale and a maximum spending decrease of 25 percent at the other end, numbers that reveal a strange symmetry. Perhaps more significantly, the average change in expenditure is very small: only a 2 percent spending increase. Worse, now when the industry needs skilled workers more than ever, employee training days per year continue their steady decline worldwide, from 8.5 days in 1997 to 7.25 days in 1999. The paper considers how you can fight these trends and win with solid statistics and an approach to IT activities that positions your department as a value center for driving technology investments.
Development of a virtual reality-based power wheel chair simulator

For many individuals with physical and/or cognitive impairments the assistive technology provided by a power wheelchair (PW/C) offers the means for independent mobility, improved self-care, increased enjoyment of leisure activities and empowerment (C. Miles-Tapping, 1996). However, despite the independence afforded by a PW/C, third party payers are often reluctant to purchase a PW/C for these individuals until the person can demonstrate the ability to operate the PW/C independently. Loaner PW/C's used for training purposes are difficult to obtain and they often do not fully meet the specific needs of the client. Training methods for learning how to use a PW/C are costly and potentially unsafe. Virtual reality technology may provide an effective training tool and method of documenting an individual's ability to operate a PW/C (A. Harrison, et al., 2000), (A. Hasdai, et al., 1998). The purpose of this project is to design and build a virtual reality-based power wheelchair (VRPW/C) simulator that provides accurate visual, proprioceptive and vestibular feedback to the user in order to accurately simulate PW/C mobility for training purposes.
SYMPTOMATIC IMPROVEMENT WITH MITRACLIP THERAPY FOR PROHIBITIVELY HIGH-RISK DMR PATIENTS

Percutaneous mitral valve repair using the transcatheter MitraClip device is a novel therapy recently FDA approved for patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) who are at prohibitive risk for surgery. We herein report the results of an ongoing single-center post-market series in
Shading and the growth and photosynthetic responses of Ammannia coccinnea

The effects of shade on the growth and CO 2 exchange rate (CER) of Ammannia coccinnea Wild., a noxious weed in water-seeded rice, were determined under glasshouse conditions. Shade substantially reduced A. coccinnea growth when imposed early and maintained throughout the growing season. However, plants transferred from full light to 18% or 50% sunlight 30 or 45 days after seeding had only slightly less dry weight than unshaded plants. Constant shade reduced growth severely (94%). In contrast, plants that were shaded for 45 days and then placed in full light largely recovered from the effects of shading by final harvest. The ability of A. coccinnea to reduce the effects of shade appears related to increased partitioning to leaves, increased specific leaf area and decreased dark respiration rates. The ability of the weed to recover from shade appears related to its ability to greatly increase CER in new leaves in response to increased light. Plasticity in A. coccinnea morphology and physiology appears to explain its persistence in California rice fields and suggests that management strategies that rely on shade alone may not improve control of this weed.
Sequential Changes in Erythrocyte Volume Distribution and Microcytosis Associated with Iron Deficiency in Kittens

Hemograms, erythrocyte volume distribution curves, serum iron and percent transferrin saturation determinations were done on samples from 50 kittens to characterize feline erythrocytic responses between one and ten weeks of age. At one week of age, all kittens had marked macrocytosis and anisocytosis. Most of the macrocytic cells no longer were present by five weeks. Macrocytes were replaced by erythrocytes of normal volume in 30% of the kittens. At five weeks of age, 70%of the kittens had produced microcytic cells which correlated with significantly lower packed cell volume values (p < 0.02) and mean corpuscular volume values (p < 0.001). By seven weeks of age, kittens with microcytosis were producing normocytic erythrocytes. Between two and four weeks of age, kittens with microcytosis had significantly lower serum iron and percent transferrin saturation values (p < 0.01) compared to kittens without microcytosis. Between five and seven weeks of age, all kittens had very high iron values which were signif...
Integrative control of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur metabolism: the central role of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle.

Nonsulfur purple (NSP) photosynthetic bacteria use the Calvin–Benson– Bassham (CBB) reductive pentose phosphate pathway for the reduction of CO2 via ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase–oxygenase (RubisCO), as a means to build cell mass during chemoautotrophic or photoautotrophic conditions. In addition, the CBB pathway plays an important role in maintaining redox balance during photoheterotrophic growth conditions. In this communication we describe protein– protein interactions between two transcriptional regulators CbbR and RegA and the possible role of the CbbX protein in regulating the CBB pathway in Rhodobacter sphaeroides. In Rhodopseudomonas palustris, the CbbR and the CbbRRS system (a three-protein, two-component regulatory system) regulate the CBB pathway. Moreover, derepression of the nitrogenase complex, and the production of hydrogen gas, appears to be a common mechanism to balance the redox potential in RubisCO-compromised strains of NSP photosynthetic bacteria.
Surrogate Indicators and Deception in Advertising

The FTC is showing concern with deceptive advertising of a subjective nature. The author discusses recent cases in which the potential for deception has been found to exist when an advertiser used ...
Effect of Growth Hormone on Acetic Acid-Extractable Collagen of Hamster Skin

SummaryConcentration of acetic acid-extractable collagen in the skin of hamsters was used as a measure of the effect of growth hormone on collagen metabolism. The intraperitoneal administration of growth hormone increased the concentration of the acetic acid-soluble collagen in the skin of old hamsters.
The Dissociated Self: An Archaeological and Genealogical Analysis

Foucault's work examines how it is that people are shaped by various institutions as well as how people can shape institutions. In this paper I explore Foucault's concept of the self developed. To do this I first examine his archaeological method of analysis followed by his genealogical method of analysis, ultimately ending with his idea of power relations encompassing both. The shift between his archaeological and genealogical method marks the transformation of the empirico-transcendental doublet to the dissociated self. What is unearthed from his genealogical analysis is a network of power relations, a non-place, rendering the self dissociated and the task of constituting the self one of defining oneself within and against these power relations.
Investigating the reliability and validity of the Multidimensional Emotional Empathy Scale

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Multidimensional Emotional Empathy Scale (MDEES). Using a sample of British young people, we investigated the reliability of the scale, as well as the convergent and divergent validity with standardized measures of IQ and working memory. There was good internal consistency between the items in each subscale. With respect to validity, only the Emotional Suffering and Positive Sharing subscales were significantly related to verbal IQ; no other MDEES subscales were significantly associated with nonverbal IQ or working memory. The findings also suggest that the MDEES is a reliable and valid measure of emotional empathy and captures skills distinct from IQ and working memory.
From Interactive to Intelligent Systems

Feature-rich software systems of today are the result of the continuous increase in computational power and growing requirements for broad functionality; these systems have to be mastered by casual or untrained users. This leads to operability problems (systems are too complicated), ineffective use, erroneous behavior and frustration. Careful empirical studies indicate that even in current systems only a small percentage of the available functionality is actually used. The availability of more computational power in the future will be of little value in constructing more usable systems, unless we open up new access paths to enable the user to take advantage of this increased functionality.
Global Instability Induced Failure of Tall Steel Moment Frame Buildings

AbstractThis paper examines the behavior of steel moment frames under the scenario of a column removal at their ground floor. Through a material and geometric nonlinear analysis, this work evaluates a global loss-of-stability progressive collapse mode for steel frames. This collapse mode appears while the components of the structure remain in the elastic zone and involves the loss of stability of the structure. The results of the analysis show that after the removal of the column, the appearance of limited fiber yielding of the components of the structure can progressively lead to the loss of stability and the collapse of the entire structure. The main contribution is the identification of the global loss-of-stability progressive collapse mode through the production of pushdown curves. The work focuses on the need to analyze a structural system as a whole, rather than as individual components, during a progressive collapse analysis.
Consumer Product Evaluation Updating: The Impact of Online and Interpersonal Social Influence on Evaluation Certainty

With the ever growing reliance on the Internet as a critical source of consumer information, there have been calls to continue to explore the impact of digital information on consumer choice and decision-making. The research fulfills the call in part by investigating the roles of online social influence (OSI) and interpersonal social influence (ISI) on consumer product-related attitudes and evaluations. The authors propose that, when consumers seek information regarding products, they form an initial product-related attitude (i.e. evaluation) of the object, and subsequently update or validate this evaluation as more information is received from sources of social influence. More specifically, it is suggested that the certainty with which they hold this product evaluation changes based on the match between existing product attitudes and incoming information. We review the existing literature on attitude certainty and online and interpersonal influence to present three hypotheses regarding the proposed process of product evaluation updating. This research provides many potential contributions to the retail marketing and consumer behavior literature. First, this work begins to integrate consumer influence from an online setting with interpersonal influence to determine the impact of such influence on product-related attitudes. By suggesting that these forms of influence interact to impact the certainty of product-related attitudes, the current research adds depth to existing literature regarding the antecedents and consequences of attitude certainty. We further explore the power of social influence in its various mediums and how this influence affects the intention and behavior of consumers in an online retail setting. The current research has implications for the manner in which online retailers present their product information and connect consumers through user reviews of products by suggesting that higher quality and more personalized information from these various sources will impact the certainty with which product evaluations are held.
Failure Detection of Temporary Structures with Digital Image Correlation for Construction Safety Applications

Temporary structures refer systems and assemblies without a permanent foundation, which will be removed after a certain period of time. In the past decades there have been numerous significant collapses of temporary structures in United States. To ensure structural stability and the safety, there is increasingly demand of developing an industry wide standard code, technology and procedure of temporary structure design, erecting, maintenance, monitoring and evaluation for practicing engineers and contractors. In this study, Digital Image Correlation was utilized for structure monitoring and failure detection of temporary structure during construction or loading period. The experimental results demonstrated the displacement measurement at the structural nodes could be used to determine the safety stage of the structure, predict the structural failure time and location. The aim of this research is to advance this state of the art measurement technology and facilitate a real-time automated monitoring and detection system for of structural failures of temporary structures.
Adenovirus prime, Env protein boost vaccine protects against neutralization-resistant SIVsmE660 variants in rhesus monkeys

Previous studies have shown that DNA prime, Ad5 boost vaccines protect against neutralization-sensitive but not neutralization-resistant virus variants within the SIVsmE660 swarm. Here we show that Ad prime, Env protein boost vaccines protect against neutralization-resistant SIVsmE660 variants. We perform two studies in rhesus monkeys with Ad35/Ad26 vectors expressing SIVmac239 Gag/Pol/Env with or without an AS01B-adjuvanted SIVmac32H gp140 protein boost. In a repetitive, low-dose challenge study, we observe robust protection against acquisition of infection by both Ad Alone and Ad/Env vaccines. In a single, high-dose challenge study, only the Ad/Env vaccine affords significant protection against acquisition of infection. Analysis of transmitted/founder (T/F) viruses from this study demonstrates that the Ad/Env vaccine blocks both neutralization-sensitive and neutralization-resistant SIVsmE660 variants in rhesus monkeys with restrictive TRIM5α alleles. These data demonstrate that the adjuvanted Env protein boost is critical for protecting against high-dose SIVsmE660 challenge and for blocking neutralization-resistant viruses within the SIVsmE660 swarm.
Bromine substitution improves excited-state dynamics in mesoporous mixed halide perovskite films

In this study, ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) is utilized to examine the excited-state dynamics in methylammonium lead iodide/bromide (MAPb(I1−xBrx)3) perovskites as a function of bromide content. TAS spectral behavior reveals characteristic lifetimes for thermalization, recombination, and charge carrier injection of MAPb(I1−xBrx)3 from x = 0 to 0.3 infiltrated in mesoporous titania films. Carrier recombination and charge injection lifetimes demonstrated a discernable increase with Br content likely because high carrier populations are supported by the higher density of vacant electronic states in mixed-halide perovskites due to the increased capacity of the conduction band. However, we observe for the first time that carrier thermalization lifetimes significantly decrease with increasing Br. This suggests that the shift in crystal structure from tetragonal towards pseudocubic accelerates carrier cooling, resulting in the relief of the hot phonon bottleneck. Furthermore, the stabilized MAPb(I1−xBrx)3 samples exhibit a lower Burstein–Moss shift of 0.07–0.08 eV compared to pure MAPbI3 (0.12 eV). Our results provide evidence that Br inclusion contributes to a broadening of the parabolic conduction band and to improvement in electron–phonon coupling and phonon propagation in the lattice.
DDB2 Is a Novel Regulator of Wnt Signaling in Colon Cancer

Deregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway drives the development of colorectal cancer, but understanding of this pathway remains incomplete. Here, we report that the damage-specific DNA-binding protein DDB2 is critical for β-catenin-mediated activation of RNF43, which restricts Wnt signaling by removing Wnt receptors from the cell surface. Reduced expression of DDB2 and RNF43 was observed in human hyperplastic colonic foci. DDB2 recruited EZH2 and β-catenin at an upstream site in the Rnf43 gene, enabling functional interaction with distant TCF4/β-catenin-binding sites in the intron of Rnf43 This novel activity of DDB2 was required for RNF43 function as a negative feedback regulator of Wnt signaling. Mice genetically deficient in DDB2 exhibited increased susceptibility to colon tumor development in a manner associated with higher abundance of the Wnt receptor-expressing cells and greater activation of the downstream Wnt pathway. Our results identify DDB2 as both a partner and regulator of Wnt signaling, with an important role in suppressing colon cancer development. Cancer Res; 77(23); 6562-75. ©2017 AACR.
A new, monolithic encoding digital photodetecter array

At present, each element of the photodetecter array (PDA) is an individual source providing electronic signal, it must be connected with a seperate signal amplifying circuits. The more the array elements are, the more complex the circuits are. Another problem is that this kind of PDA has a high false-code-rate. We have designed and manufactured a new monolithic encoding digital PDA adopting the Gray encoding mode which has low false-code- rate. It is made of 32 photodiodes on one silicon chip. All 32 photodiodes is divided into six groups according a certain pattern, then connected to six output points followed by six groups of hybrid integrated amplifieres where the electronic signal is amplified and out put a 6-bit binary digit according Gray code. They are all mounted in a single sealed package. If the design is changed, similar encoding digital photodetecter array can also out put other bits binary code. Some measurement results is presented.
Experimental and numerical study about local heat transfer in a microchannel with a pin fin

Abstract Local single-phase flow heat transfer downstream a single pin fin in a microchannel was experimentally and numerically studied. Three distinct flow regimes, depending on the Reynolds number, were characterized, namely: laminar flow with steady wake, laminar flow with unsteady wake, and turbulent flow. Local temperature measurements with high spatial resolution were obtained by incorporating an array of micro resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) (∼55 µm × 55 µm) on the internal microchannel surface. Local surface temperatures were related to the flow structures under different flow regimes. An enhanced local heat transfer coefficient at the trailing edge of the wake region downstream the pillar was observed. It is believed to be a result of vortex shedding and large-scale flow mixing triggered by flow instability at high Reynolds number. The numerical model enabled a full conduction/convection conjugate analysis of the entire system including heat conduction within the solid substrates and heat losses to the surrounding environment. Local heat transfer coefficient downstream the pin fin at each Reynolds number was obtained.
The “Socialization” of Maritime Global Governance and Taiwan Perceiving the Benefits

Certain maritime global governance frameworks exist and can at times even be effective. Yet, serious implementation matters and dire environmental circumstances persist. Control mechanisms are mainly in the hands of states or outmoded international organizations facing off against powerful economic intermediaries engaged in exploitation and driven by strong demand from export markets. Political interests also weaken the system, such as disallowing important maritime actors like Taiwan from taking a part in the process. Given that maritime global governance is constantly shifting due to a host of changing processes, proper governance requires structural alteration as well as temporal accountability. A socialization context for maritime global governance, that emphasizes partnership models incorporating both private and public actors (such as market-based bodies with civil society actors to inform and direct regulatory bodies), can not only improve maritime governance but also allow for participation by Taiwan. Including a wider range of stakeholders like media, politicians, interest groups, and consumers along with an assistive reference to new forms of technologies, can result in activating infrastructures that combine varying interests (like economic and environment) and result in a more effective form of maritime global governance. At the same time, it can open the door for Taiwan to effectively join in environmental initiatives and international projects relating to maritime governance.
Anorectal Crohn's disease: A long-term perspective

A group of 86 patients with anorectal Crohn's disease were followed up from ten to 40 years to determine the course of the disease and the number of patients who later required proctectomy. The overall cumulative probability of avoiding proctectomy was 91.6 percent at ten years and 82.5 percent at 20 years. Resection of all proximal Crohn's disease did not ameliorate the anorectal disease, except in patients who had all proximal disease removed and had no recurrence.