cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An assessment of dominance and kinship among patas monkeys

Kaplan andZucker (1980) argued that dominance and kinship do not function as important organizing features for intragroup behavior and social structure among patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas). This paper reviews the available data pertinent to this argument and concludes that dominance probably is not a reliable structural variable for captive patas, despite its clear development in most groups. In contrast, kinship is a major organizing feature that strongly affects allogrooming and other affiliative interactions, and socialization.
Highly available, consistent, business rule filters

In this paper we investigate the problem of providing web service interception hooks while maintaining consistency, high availability and durability for Web Service transactions. We consider ways of adding runtime configurable interception hooks for after release customization while guaranteeing the correctness of the entire transaction. We study integration hooks that offer an opportunity for optimization by allowing the hook to request additional data in the incoming request and process that data on the outgoing response. In our previous work, we proposed a replica update propagation method called the Buddy System, which guaranteed consistency, durability and increased availability of web services. In this paper, we extend the Buddy System to allow a pipe and filter architecture on incoming requests and the corresponding responses.
Selective detection of uranium by laser-induced fluorescence: a potential remote-sensing technique. 1: Optical characteristics of uranyl geologic targets.

The remote sensing of laser-induced uranyl ion fluorescence is examined as a potential indicator of uranium occurring in geologic materials at the earth’s surface. The lifetime and brightness of the fluorescence from a wide variety of rocks, minerals, and soils are reported. The distinctive characteristics of uranyl ion absorption and fluorescence were observed in diverse geologic materials such as chalcedonies and opals containing 15–3000 ppm of uranium and in surface coatings of uranyl minerals such as metaautunite, liebigite, and andersonite. The conditions which permit the excitation and selective detection of uranyl ion fluorescence from such targets are described.
Amorous Relationships Between Faculty and Students

Critique morale de la validite normative des relations amoureuses entre la faculte et les etudiants. Dans le cadre du debat feministe opposant le modele du consentement mutuel au modele du desir de consentement, l'A. montre que l'idee de relation amoureuse repose sur trois theses inacceptables: l'imitation de la domination masculine, l'identite sexuelle des etudiants, la degradation de l'image de la femme.
Social Life Networks for the Middle of the Pyramid

Social Networks provide numerous channels for digital expression and sharing with people almost instantaneously in any part of the world. By bringing different media as well as modes of distribution — focused, narrowcast, and broadcast; synchronous as well as asynchronous — social networks have revolutionized communication and connectivity among people. By using the enormous reach of mobile phones equipped with myriads of sensors, the next generation of social networks can be designed to further connect people with essential life resources. This could be accomplished by Real Time Collective Information and Knowledge based approaches to identify where the needs and the resources are and then connecting them. Real time collective information can now be collected by developing frameworks and infrastructure for harnessing information in micro-blogs (e.g. from Twitter and Facebook), from micro-events generated by chirping sensors that are becoming commonplace, and from more than 5 Billion mobile phones for even the remote parts of the planet. We call these networks Social Life Networks (SLN). We believe that SLN have potential to transform how computing, in general, and social networks, in particular, can be used to transform connectivity among people and essential life resources for the people who are in the Middle of the Pyramid. In this presentation we will discuss concepts and motivations related to Social Life Networks and present our approach to building such networks using specific applications.
Working from blueprints: evolutionary learning for design

When confronted by a problem, human designers often work forward from similar previously solved problems to solve the current problem. Based on this principle, we propose a new learning system especially suited for design using case-based reasoning principles to augment genetic algorithm search. When confronted with a problem we seed a genetic algorithm's initial population with solutions to similar, previously solved problems and the genetic algorithm then adapts its seeded population towards solving the current problem. Preliminary results on open-shop scheduling and re-scheduling indicate the feasibility of this approach.
Phenotype, genotype, and cellular physiology: Need for clarity in characterization

The voltage-dependent sodium channel a-subunit is encoded by the SCN5A gene and carries INa, which is the current predominantly responsible for the rapid upstroke of the action potential in the heart. INa is central to the control of excitability and conduction in atrial and ventricular myocardial tissue and the specialized conduction system Purkinje fibers. Mutations in SCN5A have been associated with several inherited cardiac conditions, including long QT syndrome type 3 (LQT3), Brugada syndrome (BrS), familial atrial fibrillation, sudden infant death syndrome, mixed conduction disease, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Physiologic studies of SCN5A mutations in heterologous expression systems have demonstrated INa abnormalities, including increased late INa (associated with LQT3), decreased sodium channel expression or function (linked to BrS and heart failure), and other complex effects on channel gating. Together these can result in the varying clinical phenotypes. Occasionally, a single SCN5A mutation can have multiple effects resulting in both LQT3 and BrS. In this issue of HeartRhythm, Chockalingam et al present the clinical characteristics of 33 individuals aged 16 years or younger from 24 different families found to have mutations in SCN5A in the absence of structural cardiac disease. Genetic screening was performed in patients with symptoms suspected of having a BrS-like phenotype (n1⁄410) or as part of family genetic screening in a family known to have a SCN5A mutation associated with BrS (n1⁄423). The authors eloquently detail the clinical presentation, including some interesting observations such as the predilection of children to present with syncope or sudden death in close proximity to their scheduled vaccinations. Additionally, unlike adults with BrS, some of the children had exertion-related ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia, which is unlike the adult presentation of nonexertional ventricular fibrillation. A few patients presented with a spontaneous type I BrS ECG pattern (most requiring a challenge with sodium channel blockade to elicit this feature) and others had a completely normal ECG; however, the majority presented with conduction abnormalities. Children had effective
Additional experimental evidence on the relationship between class meeting time compression and accounting student performance and evaluations

Abstract This experiment replicates and extends earlier studies which compared the effect of class meeting time compression on accounting student performance and evaluations. Two undergraduate day sections of advanced accounting students were used in the experiment. The first was taught in a regular format: three one-hour meetings per week. The second was taught by the same instructor in a compressed format: one three-hour meeting per week. After controlling for initial differences in grade point averages (GPAs) and prior exposure to compressed accounting classes, the experimental treatment was found to have no impact on either evaluations or performance. Results are in agreement with, and therefore support the external validity of, previous studies in the area. They suggest that, with highly-rated instructors, accounting courses can be offered on a compressed basis without regard to negative effects on performance or evaluations.
Neonatal total parenteral nutrition ascites from liver erosion by umbilical vein catheters.

Background. A preterm infant was found to have total parenteral nutrition (TPN) ascites after infusion through a low umbilical vein catheter (UVC). Objective. To evaluate the clinical and imaging findings of neonates with TPN ascites after infusion through UVCs. Materials and methods. Eight patients with TPN ascites were identified over three years. Charts were abstracted for clinical data. Plain-film, ultrasound (US), and contrast studies through the UVCs were examined to determine UVC placement, presence of liver injury, and confirmation of intraperitoneal extravasation from the UVC. Results. All eight patients with TPN ascites presented with hypotension and abdominal distension. All had UVCs overlying the liver on plain film. Catheters were in place a mean of 8.9 days prior to TPN extravasation. US in four patients showed hepatic parenchymal damage around the UVC tip. Contrast studies in six patients showed intraperitoneal spill. Conclusion. While low UVC placement may sometimes be clinically unavoidable, TPN administered through abnormally positioned UVCs is not without risk.
Immunoglobulin Switch Recombination May Occur by a DNA End‐Joining Mechanisma

Immunoglobulin switch recombination is a specialized recombination event that occurs exclusively in B lymphocytes and is focused on tandemly repetitive DNA sequences called switch regions. Switch recombination occurs as an intrachromosomal deletion event in which the deleted genetic material is excised as a circle. Although the developmental profile of this recombination event is well characterized, the underlying mechanism for switch recombination is poorly understood. Recent studies detected the presence of double strand breaks in switch DNA and the dependency of switching on the Ku and DNA-dependent protein kinase proteins which are involved in repair of double strand breaks by nonhomologous end-joining. Taken together these findings strongly suggest that switch recombination is a specialized recombination system that occurs through a DNA end-joining mechanism.
A limited-area-model case study of the effects of sub-grid scale Variations in relative humidity and cloud upon the direct radiative forcing of sulfate aerosol

A limited-area non-hydrostatic model with a horizontal spatial resolution of 2km by 2km is used to assess the importance of sub-grid scale variations in relative humidity and cloud upon the direct radiative forcing (DRF) by tropospheric sulfate aerosols. The DRF from the limited-area model for both clear and cloudy regions is analyzed and the results compared against those obtained using general circulation model (GCM) parameterizations that perform the computations over coarse horizontal grids. In this idealized model study, the GCM calculations underestimate the clear sky DRF by approximately 73% and the cloudy sky DRF by approximately 60%. These results indicate that, for areas where the relative humidity is high and where there is substantial spatial variability in relative humidity and cloud, GCM calculations may considerably underestimate the DRF.
The Consolidation of Polyarchy in Bolivia, 1985-1997

This paper measures the process of democratization in Bolivia from 1985 to 1998 using polyarchy as an operational definition of democracy. This quality of democracy is measured using a model developed by Altman and Perez-Linan (1998) which considers effective opposition and effective competition in a political system. Bolivia has elected four governments since 1985. This paper measures each regime for the quality of its democracy using the Altman and Perez-Linan varia-bles. Bolivia’s political system is unique in that it rests on a semi-presidential, semi-parliamentary system while its constitution provides for institutionalized inter-party, postelectoral bargaining. The paper uses quantitative measurements of the quality of Bolivian democracy to discuss and ex-plain the ongoing democratization process. Since 1985, Bolivian democracy has consolidated as it moved from a fragmented to a moderated political system. The political system is now stable and firmly planted while allowing flexibility along the party-coalition dimension.
Inference for Constrained Estimation of Tumor Size Distributions

Summary In order to develop better treatment and screening programs for cancer prevention programs, it is important to be able to understand the natural history of the disease and what factors affect its progression. We focus on a particular framework first outlined by Kimmel and Flehinger (1991, Biometrics, 47, 987–1004) and in particular one of their limiting scenarios for analysis. Using an equivalence with a binary regression model, we characterize the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation procedure for estimation of the tumor size distribution function and give associated asymptotic results. Extensions to semiparametric models and missing data are also described. Application to data from two cancer studies is used to illustrate the finite-sample behavior of the procedure.
Meaning in life and work: : A developmental perspective

This study examined linear and nonlinear relations between age and the presence and search for meaning in life and examined if these relations were moderated by the presence of meaning in work. Age did not significantly relate to the presence of meaning in life, but age had a significant, negative linear relation with the search for meaning in life. Moreover, work meaning moderated the quadratic relation between age and life meaning. Specifically, people high in work meaning demonstrated negative quadratic curves, with high life meaning during middle adulthood, and people low in work meaning had positive quadratic curves, with low life meaning during middle adulthood. Work meaning also moderated the linear relation between age and the search for meaning in life with people highest in work meaning showing the strongest negative relation between age and the search for meaning in life. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Strong Regional Heterogeneity in Base Composition Evolution on the Drosophila X Chromosome

Fluctuations in base composition appear to be prevalent in Drosophila and mammal genome evolution, but their timescale, genomic breadth, and causes remain obscure. Here, we study base composition evolution within the X chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster and five of its close relatives. Substitutions were inferred on six extant and two ancestral lineages for 14 near-telomeric and 9 nontelomeric genes. GC content evolution is highly variable both within the genome and within the phylogenetic tree. In the lineages leading to D. yakuba and D. orena, GC content at silent sites has increased rapidly near telomeres, but has decreased in more proximal (nontelomeric) regions. D. orena shows a 17-fold excess of GC-increasing vs. AT-increasing synonymous changes within a small (∼130-kb) region close to the telomeric end. Base composition changes within introns are consistent with changes in mutation patterns, but stronger GC elevation at synonymous sites suggests contributions of natural selection or biased gene conversion. The Drosophila yakuba lineage shows a less extreme elevation of GC content distributed over a wider genetic region (∼1.2 Mb). A lack of change in GC content for most introns within this region suggests a role of natural selection in localized base composition fluctuations.
A steerable 60GHz array antenna using a reconfigurable dielectric phase shifter

A steerable array of patch antennas is designed for wireless communication at 60GHz. The antenna utilizes a novel dielectric phase shifting technique, previously presented by J. Cha et al. [1]. The propagation constant of a fixed portion of 60GHz coplanar waveguide transmission line is altered by the presence of ceramic slabs. A mechanism for introducing relative phase delay is designed based on this effect and both discrete and continuous slab height range is explored. The electrical characteristics and far field patterns are numerically approximated using Ansoft HFSS. A prototype antenna is fabricated and preliminary test results are gathered.
Overweight children find food more reinforcing and consume more energy than do nonoverweight children

Background: The reinforcing value of food is a reliable index of motivation to eat and energy intake. Obese adults find food more reinforcing than do nonobese adults. Objective: The present study was designed to assess whether the relative reinforcing value of food differs as a function of weight status in 8-12-y-old children and whether the relative reinforcing value of food differs depending on the types of available nonfood alternatives. Design: The reinforcing value of pizza (experiment 1) or snack foods (experiment 2) was measured on progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement in nonoverweight and overweight children. Experiment 2 also compared the relative reinforcing value of food and 2 nonfood alternatives: time to spend playing a hand-held video game or time to spend reading magazines or completing word searches or mazes. Results: In both experiments, overweight children found food more reinforcing and consumed more energy than did their leaner peers. In experiment 2, the relative reinforcing value of food versus sedentary activity was higher in overweight children, but lower in nonoverweight children, regardless of the type of alternative activity available. Conclusions: These results show that overweight children find food more reinforcing than do nonoverweight children. This individual difference was replicated in different experiments using different types of foods and food alternatives. These studies provide support for studying food reinforcement as a factor associated with overweight and obesity.
Neuroethics: The Ethical, Legal, and Societal Impact of Neuroscience

Advances in cognitive, affective, and social neuroscience raise a host of new questions concerning the ways in which neuroscience can and should be used. These advances also challenge our intuitions about the nature of humans as moral and spiritual beings. Neuroethics is the new field that grapples with these issues. The present article surveys a number of applications of neuroscience to such diverse arenas as marketing, criminal justice, the military, and worker productivity. The ethical, legal, and societal effects of these applications are discussed. Less practical, but perhaps ultimately more consequential, is the impact of neuroscience on our worldview and our understanding of the human person.
Prism: A new approach to radiotherapy planning software

Purpose We describe the capabilities and performance of Prism, an innovative new radiotherapy planning system with unusual features and design. The design and implementation strategies are intended to assure high quality and clinical acceptability. The features include Artificial Intelligence tools and special support for multileaf collimator (MLC) systems. The design provides unusual flexibility of operation and ease of expansion. Methods and materials We have implemented Prism, a three-dimensional (3D) radiotherapy treatment-planning system on standard commercial workstations with the widely available X window system. The design and implementation use ideas taken from recent software engineering research, for example, the use of behavioral entity-relationship modeling and the "Mediator Method" instead of ad-hoc programming. The Prism system includes the usual features of a 3D planning system, including Beam's Eye View and the ability to simulate any treatment geometry possible with any standard radiotherapy accelerator. It includes a rule-based expert system for automated generation of the planning target volume as defined in ICRU Report 50. In addition, it provides special support for planning treatments with a multileaf collimator (MLC). We also implemented a Radiotherapy Treatment Planning Tools Foundation for Prism, so that we are able to use software tools form other institutions without any source code modification. Results The Prism system has been in clinical operation at the University of Washington since July 1994 and has been installed at several other clinics. The system is run simultaneously by several users, each with their own workstation operating from a common networked database and software. In addition to the dosimetrists, the system is used by radiation oncologists to define tumor and target volumes and by radiation therapists to select treatment setups to load into a computer controlled accelerator. Conclusions Experience with the installation and operation has shown the design to be effective as both a clinical and research tool. Integration of software tools has eased the development and significantly enhanced the clinical usability of the system. The design has been shown to be a sound basis for further innovation in radiation treatment planning software and for research in the treatment planning process.
Transcript profiles of genes expressed in endosperm tissue are altered by high temperature during wheat grain development

Timing of transcript accumulation for genes involved in a variety of cellular processes was assessed by RT-PCR in endosperm from developing wheat grains grown under moderate (24/17 °C day/night) and high (37/28 °C day/night) temperature regimens. Under moderate temperatures, transcripts for proteins with storage functions were present at all five time points examined between 7 and 34 DPA, while transcripts for proteins involved in signal transduction, protein synthesis and metabolism were most abundant from 7 to 20 DPA. Transcripts for proteins that play roles in defense were present from 14 DPA, about the time that starch accumulation commenced, to 34 DPA. High temperatures advanced and compressed the timing of transcript accumulation during grain development. Comparisons of transcript profiles with the timing of key events in grain development identified genes whose transcripts were accumulated at equivalent stages under the two temperature regimens and might serve as markers for grain development. These comparisons also revealed a number of genes with transcript profiles that were shifted under high temperatures in a manner that was not consistent with developmental events. These genes may be involved in responses to high temperature that are distinct from effects on the timing of developmental processes.
Graph-theoretic approach for connectivity maintenance in mobile networks in the presence of a jammer

In this work, we analyze the problem of maintaining connectivity in a network of mobile agents in the presence of a jammer. This is a variation of the standard connectivity maintenance problem in which the issue arises due to limitations in communications and sensing model for each agent. In our work, the limitations in communications are due to the presence of a jammer in the vicinity of the mobile agents. First, we present a differential game-theoretic formulation of the problem and provide the necessary conditions for optimal controls for each agent. Then we present a model that constructs a state-dependent graph based on the state-space of the agents. We use tools from algebraic-graph theory on the state-dependent graph in order to provide locally optimal control laws for the agents in the formation. Finally, we present some simulations to validate the proposed control scheme.
On the dominant mode of heat transfer in downward flame spread

The dominant mechanism by which heat is transferred to the unburnt fuel ahead of the flame is analyzed by measuring the heat transfer parameters involved in the process of downward propagation of flames over two extreme thicknesses of a solid fuel. Measurements of the gas velocity fields and temperature fields for both fuel thicknesses are reported. Experimental techniques employed include Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) and thermocouple probing. Qualitative information from the measurements as well as quantitative calculations of the pathways of heat transfer indicate that for thick fuels heat conduction through the solid phase is the dominant mechanism of heat transfer, and that as the thickness of the fuel decreases heat conduction through the gas is of increased importance. It is also shown that convective effects due to the entrainment of air by the flame plume play an important role in the ability of the heat to be conducted through the gas from the flame.
Electron spectroscopy of strongly correlated systems

Abstract An overview is given of current electron spectroscopy studies of the single-particle electronic structure of strongly correlated systems. Specific topics include (i) the Ce 4f spectrum of CeCu2Si2, (ii) the 5f spectrum of Y1-xUxPd3, and (ii i) the doped metallic state of high-temperature superconductor materials, for which it is argued that in the Luttinger liquid scenario, the Fermi energy of the metal should lie in the parent insulator's gap, as observed experimentally.
MNADK, a novel liver-enriched mitochondrion-localized NAD kinase.

NADP+ and its reducing equivalent NADPH are essential for counteracting oxidative damage. Mitochondria are the major source of oxidative stress, since the majority of superoxide is generated from the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Because NADP+ cannot pass through the mitochondrial membrane, NADP+ generation within mitochondria is critical. However, only a single human NAD kinase (NADK) has been identified, and it is localized to the cytosol. Therefore, sources of mitochondrial NADP+ and mechanisms for maintaining its redox balance remain largely unknown. Here, we show that the uncharacterized human gene C5ORF33, named MNADK (mouse homologue 1110020G09Rik), encodes a novel mitochondrion-localized NAD kinase. In mice MNADK is mostly expressed in the liver, and also abundant in brown fat, heart, muscle and kidney, all being mitochondrion-rich. Indeed, MNADK is localized to mitochondria in Hep G2 cells, a human liver cell line, as demonstrated by fluorescence imaging. Having a conserved NAD kinase domain, a recombinant MNADK showed NAD kinase activity, confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis. Consistent with a role of NADP+ as a coenzyme in anabolic reactions, such as lipid synthesis, MNADK is nutritionally regulated in mice. Fasting increased MNADK levels in liver and fat, and obesity dramatically reduced its level in fat. MNADK expression was suppressed in human liver tumors. Identification of MNADK immediately suggests a model in which NADK and MNADK are responsible for de novo synthesis of NADP+ in cytosol and mitochondria, respectively, and therefore provides novel insights into understanding the sources and mechanisms of mitochondrial NADP+ and NADH production in human cells.
Fractography of a phenol—formaldehyde polymer

Samples of a phenol-formaldehyde polymer with a deliberately introduced flaw were fractured in tension. The appearance of the fracture surface near the flaw suggested the disruption of particles pre-existing in the polymer. At a greater distance from the flaw, a featureless surface was observed which was succeeded by one showing interference colors. At still greater distances, linear features were observed to be lying in the direction of crack propagation which, in most areas, were regular and evenly spaced. There were indications that these features were formed by the curling of a surface film. The above observations are interpreted as providing evidence that tensile fracture is accompanied by plastic deformation at the fracture surface.
Straight-Party Voting: What Do Voters Think?

One of the options available to a sizable minority of U.S. voters is the ability to, with a single action, cast votes in multiple races; this is termed straight-party voting (SPV). SPV is implemented inconsistently across the U.S. and this may result in voter confusion, threatening the integrity of elections. We presented survey respondents with multiple SPV scenarios, testing both their understanding of SPV-marked ballots and their likelihood of using SPV to make multiple selections on a ballot. Participants were also asked their opinions on how SPV ought to work. Voters had significant difficulty in interpreting SPV ballots and were reluctant to generate them, though this was improved when ballots had more clear and detailed instructions. Participants also tended to believe that SPV should not work the way they believed it had worked on ballots they had previously seen. Overall, our results suggest that SPV is a likely cause of voter confusion, suggesting further research on the usability of straight-party voting systems.
Den Menschen erreichen, bewegen und einbinden

Eine Geschichte davon, wie zwei starke Partner – jeweils Experten in ihrem Gebiet – ihre Starken zum Wohle von Gesellschaft nutzen. Und in Social Media einen ungeahnten Verbundeten gefunden haben. Gemeinsames Ziel: Menschen im Umgang mit HIV/Aids aufklaren und befahigen. Die Partner: Die Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe (DAH), Experte im Bereich der HIV/Aids-Aufklarung, und IBM Deutschland, Experte im Bereich IT-Technologie im Zeitalter des Internet.
Leslie Hubricht (1908–2005), His Publications and New Taxa *

Abstract: Leslie Hubricht (1908–2005) was one of the leading experts for the taxonomy, distribution and ecology of terrestrial gastropods of the eastern United States. He published more than 150 papers and introduced 108 new names for molluscan taxa from this area. Over six decades, he amassed a collection of 43,000 lots of eastern North American terrestrial gastropods with approximately 500,000 specimens, now housed in the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago. Besides his work on molluscs, he also did extensive research on freshwater crustaceans (Isopoda and Amphipoda) of the eastern U. S., describing 40 new taxa in this group. This paper provides complete lists of Hubricht's publications and of his new taxa in the Mollusca and Crustacea. A brief biographical sketch of Hubricht and a list of taxa named for him are also given.
Design and modeling of a tunable optical antenna enabled by a micromachined actuator

A MEMS-based tunable optical nanoantenna is described. The optical performance of the tunable antenna has been investigated using rigorous finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. It reveals that peak wavelengths and local field enhancements are largely affected by the size and shape of the bowtie antenna. The optical field can be drastically enhanced by reducing the gap size less than 30 nm which can easily be achieved by the MEMS system. Studies for field localization also shows possibility of bowtie antennas producing isotropic field patterns with an aspect ratio close to one, essential for full 2-D surface scanning purposes.
Augmented Renal Clearance in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Background Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) typically exhibit hyperdynamic cardiovascular hemodynamics, which may lead to increased medication clearance. The aims of this study were to evaluate the actual creatinine clearance (CrClA) in an aneurysmal SAH population and the effect of the development of cerebral vasospasm (CV) along with its treatment to better understand if this population exhibits augmented renal clearance (ARC).
Advancing the Theory and Measurement of Collective Empowerment: A Qualitative Study:

Grounded Theory, a qualitative research method, was used to fully describe the construct of empowerment and its measurement in racially and ethnically diverse urban and rural neighborhoods. Forty-nine grass roots experts, primarily from six communities in Texas, participated via semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Observational data were also collected. Results revealed that the framework of collective empowerment has two main dimensions: ten processes necessary for developing greater empowerment and eight long-term outcomes that result from the process strategies. The two main dimensions of collective empowerment are cyclically, rather than linearly, related. While the results are unique to the communities studied because of the nature of the analysis, the process by which they were elucidated can be replicated in any setting. These findings suggest that the construct of collective empowerment can be both operationalized and evaluated at the community level.
Deciphering the genetic and transcriptional basis of cross-stress responses in Escherichia coli under complex evolutionary scenarios

A tantalizing question in microbial physiology is the inter-dependence and evolutionary potential of cellular stress response across multiple environmental dimensions. To address this question, we comprehensively characterized the cross-stress behavior of wild-type and evolved Escherichia coli populations in five abiotic stresses (n-butanol, osmotic, alkaline, acidic, and oxidative) by performing genome-scale genetic, transcriptional and growth profiling, thus identifying 18 cases of cross-stress protection and one case of cross-stress vulnerability. We identified 18 cases of cross-stress protection and one case of cross-stress vulnerability, along with core and stress-specific networks. We tested several hypotheses regarding the effect of the stress order, stress combinations, mutation reversal and varying environments to the evolution and final cellular fitness of the respective populations. Our results argue of a common systems-level core of the stress response with several crucial implicated pathways that include metal ion binding and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis that is further complemented by a stress-specific expression program.
Salesforce Management in High Context Cultures: Practitioners’ Perspectives

We think we know how to manage salesforces in the United States. But what about in high context cultures such as Japan or Greece? This paper draws from theory and many examples from our own experiences to reinforce, dispute, or change traditional thinking about sales management.
Energies, magnitudes, and amplitudes of seismic waves from quarry blasts at Promontory and Lakeside, Utah

The total apparent energy was computed for seismic waves on seismograms obtained at distances of 6.78 and 13.2 km from a blast of 1,221,000 lb of explosives and 22.0 km from a blast of 2,138,000 lb of explosives, at Promontory, Utah. The ratios of the total apparent seismic energy at these distances to the total energy of the explosives were plotted against distance, and the ratios of 0.027 and 0.017 were obtained by extrapolating this plot to zero and 2 km distance from the blasts, respectively. Using the relationship between total apparent seismic energy and magnitude given by Gutenberg and Richter (1956), magnitudes ranging from 4.0 and 3.9 (charge size of 490,500 lb) to 4.6 and 4.4 (charge size of 2,138,000 lb) were computed from the data applicable at zero and 2 km from the large quarry blasts detonated at Promontory and Lakeside, Utah, between 1956 and 1959. For charge sizes ranging from 490,500 lb to 2,138,000 lb, an approximate linear relationship was found to exist between charge size and average record amplitude of the first cycle of the first arrival as measured on vertical-component seismograms obtained at Eureka, Nevada. The average vertical-component displacement amplitude of the first cycle of the first arrival was calculated to diminish by the 1.7 power of the distance between 6.78 and 22.0 km from the above blasts. The average vertical-component velocity amplitude of the first two cycles of the first arrival was calculated to diminish by the 1.8 power of the distance between 90.0 and 279 km from the above blasts.
CD28 induces mitochondrial respiration in long lived plasma cells for reactive oxygen species dependent survival and NFκB-mediated Blimp1 expression. (LYM6P.771)

Sustained humoral immunity is dependent upon bone marrow resident long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs). We have shown that CD28 signaling in LLPCs is necessary for their survival and antibody production; however, the signaling pathways that define LLPC survival and function are not completely understood. In T cells, CD28 is known to induce glycolysis at the expense of mitochondrial respiration. To our great surprise, CD28 induces mitochondrial respiration-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) through PLCγ1 in LLPCs but not splenic short lived plasma cells (SLPCs). Paradoxically, inhibition of ROS kills LLPCs while promoting survival of SLPCs. In LLPCs, CD28-mitochondrial ROS activates NFκB, which in turn binds directly to the Blimp1 promoter, the master regulator of plasma cell identity. Furthermore, CD28 induces Blimp1 expression in LLPCs but not SLPCs. These data suggest a model wherein CD28-induced mitochondrial respiration drives survival of LLPCs through mitochondrial ROS-dependent activation of NFκB and subsequent Blimp1 upregulation. By understanding CD28 regulation of LLPC metabolism, new therapeutic targets arise for antibody-mediated autoimmune disease and vaccine design.
Effect of ST2, a Fragment of ADAMTS13, on Cleavage of Von Willebrand Factor

Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is a multimeric plasma glycoprotein that mediates platelet adhesion and aggregation, a process critical for both hemostasis and thrombosis. Under normal conditions, VWF binds to platelets at sites of vascular injury or damage, leading to blood clot formation and wound healing. VWF contains four types of repeating domains in the following sequence: D1-D2-D’-D3-A1-A2-A3-D4-B1-B2-B3-C1-C2-CK (CK: cystine knot). It is synthesized and secreted into plasma by endothelial cells and megakaryocytes. Many newly-secreted VWF multimers are huge in size, thus they are termed ultra-large VWF (ULVWF). ULVWF is thrombogenic, so it is reduced to smaller VWF multimers by ADAMTS13, a metalloprotease that cleaves the Tyr1605-Met1606 bond in the A2 domain of VWF. Proper ULVWF cleavage and subsequent VWF cleavage result in appropriate size distribution of VWF in plasma, which is required for its hemostatic function. On the one hand, insufficient cleavage of ULVWF leads to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a disease characterized by microvascular thrombosis; on the other hand, excessive cleavage of VWF leads to Von Willebrand disease (VWD), a potentially-fatal bleeding disorder manifested by lack of large VWF multimers in plasma [1]. Therefore, understanding VWF cleavage by ADAMTS13 is crucial for understanding VWF function and its related diseases.© 2011 ASME
Electron inelastic mean free paths and energy losses in solids: I. Aluminum metal

Abstract Inelastic mean free paths and energy losses in aluminum metal are calculated for electrons with energies from a few eV to 10 4 eV above the Fermi level. We have represented the contribution from excitations of the valence electrons by using an electron gas model. The effect of damping in the electron gas on the mean free path and energy loss is included within the context of the Mermin-Kliewer-Fuchs model of the electron gas dielectric function. The influence of core polarizability and local field corrections are discussed briefly. The contributions to the mean free path and energy loss of electrons from ionization of inner shells have been evaluated from atomic models. Comparisons are made with experimental data taken over a wide range of energies.
The Relationship between Mechanical Stiffness, Dynamic Strength and Static Strength following Eccentric or Concentric Activity:

Workplace exertions can involve static, muscle lengthening (eccentric), or muscle shortening (concentric) exertions. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between mechanical stiffness, dynamic strength and static (isometric) strength following sub maximal eccentric or concentric exercise. Participants were randomly assigned to perform eccentric or concentric forearm supinations at 50% of isometric supination strength for 30 minutes. Mechanical stiffness, isometric and dynamic strength were measured prior, one hour after and 24 hours after exercise. Average mechanical stiffness decreased 31% (p 0.05) for the concentric group. Average static strength in both groups recovered to within 2% of pre exercise levels for both groups after 24 hours. Average dynamic strength decreased 18% (p 0.05) for the concentric group. Significant correlation (r =...
Preface to the Focus Section on Cascadia Initiative Preliminary Results

The Cascadia Initiative (CI) is a community‐based onshore and offshore seismic and geodetic experiment designed to study a variety of questions ranging from megathrust earthquakes, episodic tremor and slip, volcanic arc structure, to the formation, deformation, and hydration of the downgoing Juan de Fuca and Gorda plates (Toomey et al. , 2014; Abers et al. , 2015). The four‐year deployment of the CI (from 2011 to 2015) was funded by the National Science Foundation. It includes a plate‐scale deployment of about 60 broadband ocean‐bottom seismometers (OBSs) over the downgoing Juan de Fuca and Gorda plates, 27 inland broadband EarthScope Transportable Array seismic stations, and the upgrade of 232 onshore Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) geodetic sites to real‐time data transfer (see Abers et al. , 2015). Seismic data recovered from the CI are archived at the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Management Center and openly available to the entire scientific community as quickly as technically feasible (http://ds.iris.edu/mda/_CASCADIA; last accessed July 2015). With the availability of the first three‐year data, a variety of research has been conducted to analyze the data and address the targeted scientific questions. This Seismological Research Letters ( SRL ) focus section presents a selected set of six papers that cover various aspects of this topic, including instrument performance, seismic structure and tsunami studies, and earthquake detection. The articles in this SRL focus section provide a snapshot of current research with the use of the CI seismic data. Sumy et al. (2015) summarizes the characteristics and performance of the CI OBS instruments, data recovery, and correction of horizontal orientation for the first three‐year deployment. …
Advances in the study of the health benefits and mechanisms of action of the pulp and seed of the Amazonian palm fruit, Euterpe oleracea Mart., known as “Açai”

Numerous advances have been made in recent years to demonstrate the health benefits of acai pulp and seed while also elucidating their mechanisms of action. Studies have confirmed it to be one of the most potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory food sources available, attributable to a class of flavones, as well as other polyphenols, lignans, saccharides. This is the first review of studies reporting on the chemistry, properties and attributes of the seed, including surprising immune system affects potentially able to attenuate the long-term damaging effect of cigarette smoke exposure, resulting in emphysema, COPD and lung cancer. Recent research has shown certain extracts of the pulp can overcome lethal antibiotic-resistant pathogens. New studies on acai pulp report promising neuroprotective properties in preventing, slowing the progression, and treating neurodegenerative diseases, and other diseases of aging, including cardiovascular diseases (eg, atherosclerosis) and stroke, related to its epigenetic effects on transcription and gene expression.
Failure of methotrexate and methylprednisolone to alter the clearance of model immune complexes

We evaluated the effect of methotrexate (MTX) and methylprednisolone (MP) on reticuloendothelial system (RES) clearance of soluble model immune complexes (IC) in BALB/C mice. MTX was administered by intraperitoneal route either as a single dose (0.5 mg/kg) or as 10 alternate day doses (0.1 or 0.5 mg/kg), MP as a single intravenous (IV) bolus (50 mg/kg) with normal saline used as a control. Mice were then injected IV with radiolabelled IgG anti-DNP covalently crosslinked IC. Blood radioactivity was measured over a 3 h period at which time organ uptake, corrected for blood contamination, was determined. Clearance curves for each mouse were derived using the Marquardt-Levenberg curve fitting method. No significant differences in IC clearance or organ uptake were found between drug and control groups at any drug dose or time period. Our findings argue against an influence of MP and MTX on immunospecific clearance of soluble IC.
Exploring the use patterns of a mobile health application for alcohol addiction before the initial lapse after detoxification.

How patients used Addiction-Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (A-CHESS)1, a mobile health intervention, while quitting drinking is worthy exploring. This study is to explore A-CHESS use patterns prior to the initial lapse reported after discharge from inpatient detoxification programs. 142 patients with alcohol addiction from two treatment agencies in the U.S. were included. A comprehensive set of A-CHESS use measures were developed based on a three-level system use framework and three A-CHESS service categories. In latent profile analyses, three A-CHESS system use patterns—inactive, passive, and active users—were found. Compared to the passive users (with the highest chance of the initial lapse), the active users (with the lowest chance of such behavior) participated more in online social activities, used more sessions, viewed more pages, and used A-CHESS longer. However, the chances of the initial lapse between A-CHESS user profiles were not statistically different. Implications of this finding were provided.
A Chronic Gastrostomy and Test System for Evaluation of Gastric Secretions in Rhesus Monkeys

We have developed a test system for the evaluation of gastric secretion in the rhesus monkey on a chronic basis that does not require the usual restraining techniques. The system is characterized by ease of animal maintenance and handling, reliability in introducing test substances into the stomach, and long term postsurgical stability. The system comprises a surgical preparation whereby the gastrostomy tube is inserted permanently in the stomach, is passed subcutaneously up the back, and is exteriorized at the top of the skull, and a training procedure that conditions the monkeys so as to facilitate easy handling during the administration of test substances and the collection of gastric controls. Values for pH, volume, total acid, and acid concentration appear reasonably consistent under base-line (no test substance) conditions as well as after the intragastric administration of water or the subcutaneous injection of Histalog.