cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A three-component dicamba O-demethylase from Pseudomonas maltophilia, strain DI-6: gene isolation, characterization, and heterologous expression.

Dicamba O-demethylase is a multicomponent enzyme from Pseudomonas maltophilia, strain DI-6, that catalyzes the conversion of the widely used herbicide dicamba (2-methoxy-3,6-dichlorobenzoic acid) to DCSA (3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid). We recently described the biochemical characteristics of the three components of this enzyme (i.e. reductaseDIC, ferredoxinDIC, and oxygenaseDIC) and classified the oxygenase component of dicamba O-demethylase as a member of the Rieske non-heme iron family of oxygenases. In the current study, we used N-terminal and internal amino acid sequence information from the purified proteins to clone the genes that encode dicamba O-demethylase. Two reductase genes (ddmA1 and ddmA2) with predicted amino acid sequences of 408 and 409 residues were identified. The open reading frames encode 43.7- and 43.9-kDa proteins that are 99.3% identical to each other and homologous to members of the FAD-dependent pyridine nucleotide reductase family. The ferredoxin coding sequence (ddmB) specifies an 11.4-kDa protein composed of 105 residues with similarity to the adrenodoxin family of [2Fe-2S] bacterial ferredoxins. The oxygenase gene (ddmC) encodes a 37.3-kDa protein composed of 339 amino acids that is homologous to members of the Phthalate family of Rieske non-heme iron oxygenases that function as monooxygenases. Southern analysis localized the oxygenase gene to a megaplasmid in cells of P. maltophilia. Mixtures of the three highly purified recombinant dicamba O-demethylase components overexpressed in Escherichia coli converted dicamba to DCSA with an efficiency similar to that of the native enzyme, suggesting that all of the components required for optimal enzymatic activity have been identified. Computer modeling suggests that oxygenaseDIC has strong similarities with the core αsubunits of naphthalene 1,2-dioxygenase. Nonetheless, the present studies point to dicamba O-demethylase as an enzyme system with its own unique combination of characteristics.
A Visualization Study of Heterogeneous Condensation on Nano-Particles in a Fully Saturated Microchannel

The high heat transfer rate and compactness of micro/minichannel mutiphase flow system associated with phase change phenomena have been increasingly attractive in thermal management and microfluidic sensor development for applications which demand requirements such as small, light, and efficient systems. In this paper, quarts square microchannels with a hydraulic diameter of 1000 μm and a length of 20 mm are used for the path of fully saturated forced convection air flow with nano-particles (Θ ~ 100 nm). The outside of microchannel wall is cooled by natural convection of room air. Two distinctive heterogeneous condensation modes are observed as of droplet condensation on the channel wall and nano-particle nucleate condensation in the core air stream. At the exit of microchannel, liquid droplets with an order of micrometer diameter are observed by microscopic visualization using Nd:YAG (532 nm) Laser sheet illumination. The droplet growth visualization data show a influence of gas mixture mass flux, local vapor concentration, and wall surface condition either on wall droplet condensation and nucleate condensation droplet.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Thyroxine-binding by the thyroxine-binding globulin as a measure of the anabolic activity of congeners of testosterone

Abstract The circulating thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) was assessed as a measure of the potency of 3 anabolic agents. Methandrostenolone (10 mg.), methenolone (20 mg.) and oxymetholone (30 mg.) were administered daily for 4 weeks and changes in TBG were followed weekly for a total of 6 weeks. The effects on TBG were compared with those produced by methyltestosterone (20 mg.) administered daily. The cortisol-binding capacity of the cortisol-binding globulin (CBG) was also measured and was unaffected by these agents. Despite their inferior androgenic potency, the anabolic steroids decreased thyroxine binding as much (methenolone) or more (methandrostenolone, oxymetholone) than methyltestosterone, indicating that changes in thyroxine binding are unrelated to androgenicity. Three groups of subjects received a uniform daily dose of methandrostenolone, either 5, 10, or 20 mg. for 4 weeks. The decreases in thyroxine binding reached a plateau at the 10 mg. level. An inferential relationship between thyroxine binding and estimates of anabolic potency was suggested from dose-response comparisons.
Locational choice for free trade zones: a comment

Abstract In this comment we derive conditions under which there are no equilibria for the models investigated by Miyagiwa (1993).
Blood pressure in the tarantula,Dugesiella hentzi

1. Heart rates in intact spiders at rest were 35/min and after 3 min exercise 77/min. Recovery to the initial rate required 1/2 hr. In cannulated animals heart rates ranged from 44/min at rest to 116/min after a struggle. Heart rate was relatively independent of internal pressure. 2. Variations in heart rate and amplitude occurred spontaneously and in response to various stimuli (Fig. 6). 3. Systole averages 68% of total beat duration through a range of heart rates from 21–116 min (Fig. 4). 4. Intraventricular pressures 10 min after cannulating averaged 22/13 mm Hg, but fell to 12/8 mm Hg after 10 min in the dark (Fig. 5). A maximum pressure of 102 mm Hg was measured in one animal. The pressure recorded in the heart is generated in part by the heart and in part reflects abdominal tension. 5. Resting pressures in any 2 legs were always identical and were above that in the prosoma. 6. Resting pressures in the prosoma and lateral sacs are intermediate to heart systolic and diastolic pressures which in a relaxed animal were 12/8 mm Hg (Fig. 11). 7. At rest a gradient of only a few mm Hg propels the blood through the lung books from the lateral sacs to the pulmonary veins; a gradient of 1–2 mm Hg exists between the pulmonary vein and the heart in diastole. 8. General abdominal pressure is above pulmonary vein pressure suggesting a need for a mechanism to maintain patency of these vessels. 9. During a struggle a maximum pressure of 480 mm Hg was measured in the prosoma. 10. High pressures were recorded in the lateral sacs which communicate freely with the prosoma but were not transmitted to the heart. 11. Pressures of 40–60 mm Hg were measured in the prosoma and legs during wialking (Fig. 18) and delivery of blood through the pedal arteries probably continues at this level. 12. Withdrawal of blood causes an immediate decrease in heart pressure. Within min some recovery occurs presumably because of muscular adjustments (Fig. 19).
Relationship-Building and Sales Success: Are Climate and Leadership Key?

The article explores the relative importance of a salesperson's work environment, in comparison with the salesperson's own interpersonal skills, in establishing successful client relationships. The author cites a study by Craig A. Martin at Western Kentucky University and Alan J. Bush at the University of Memphis. The researchers looked at the leadership styles of sales managers and the psychological climate of the workplace. Martin and Bush found that transformational leadership approaches and employees' feelings of empowerment and cohesiveness shaped selling behaviors.
The differential value of bromsulfalein retention tests in acute hepatitis and obstructive jaundice.

The results of bromsulfalein retention tests in 75 patients at the height of acute hepatitis and 26 patients with extrahepatic obstructive jaundice show a significantly higher level of retention in the patients with acute infectious hepatitis, with good differentiation between the two groups. It is our opinion that the bromsulfalein retention test is a worthwhile determination in these groups of jaundiced patients. The test caused untoward reactions in none of the patients.
YPt2 in and other compounds of the ZrPt2Al-type☆

Unit cell constants are reported for eight ternary compounds with the ZrPt/sub 2/A iota-type crystal structure. Compositions are (Gd, Tb, Y, Dy or Ho)Pt/sub 2/In, and (Tb Y or Tm)Pt/sub 2/Sn. The crystal structure of YPt/sub 2/In is hP8, P6/sub 3//mmc, with Y in 2c, Pt in 4f, and In in 2a sites. The interatomic bonds which show the highest contraction are between a Pt atom and 3 In atoms. A comparison is made with the competing MnCu/sub 2/A iota-type structure in YPd/sub 2/In.
Training of U. S. Air Traffic Controllers

The program of selecting and training air traffic controllers in the FAA has evolved over many years. It reflects the need to assure standards of performance and safety under such influences as increasing flight operations, varying training loads, union pressures, the need for realistic experience, and frequently changing rules, regulations and procedures. Recent changes in system technology and procedures with associated manpower problems prompted the FAA to reexamine the whole training program. The resulting study by IDA distinguishes operational problems from management ones, determines measures of effectiveness, assesses proper program costs, and compares costs of alternative training schedules. The study addresses selection and training methods, controller performance measurement, standardization and quality control in training, simulator requirements and capabilities, centralized vs. decentralized training, future training requirements, research on training, hiring practices, the training load, and costs. Alternative training programs are evaluated. In four months, as a result of IDA's findings, the FAA designed a new controller training program that emphasizes better personnel selection criteria to reduce attrition; objective measures of controller performance; compression of the elapsed time: for formal training from four years to five months; a restructured, standard training curriculum; greater use of simulators in training and evaluation; centralized control of hiring; research into controller selection, performance measurements, and training techniques; and control of budgeting and allocation of training funds. The new program is expected to turn out qualified controllers with more relevant and uniform training, provide greater assurance of continuing controller quality, and save over 55 million dollars annually.
SPEED KILLS: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF TRAFFIC FATALITIES AND THE 55 MPH SPEED LIMIT*

An interrupted time-series design is used to analyze the impact of the 55 mph speed limit on U.S. traffic fatalities over the period 1950 to 1980. In addition to speed such potential effects on highway fatalities as safety improvements, decreased speed dispersion, and decreased travel are examined. We conclude that the overwhelming proportion of the decline in traffic fatalities from 1973 to 1974 must be attributed to the change in the speed limit.
The Skin Picking Impact Project: Phenomenology, interference, and treatment utilization of pathological skin picking in a population-based sample

The current study examined the characteristics of pathological skin picking (PSP) in a population-based sample. Participants were recruited through several online resources for PSP and related conditions to complete a web-based survey assessing the functional and topographical phenomenology, physical and psychosocial impact, treatment utilization, and associated psychopathology of PSP. A total of 1663 participants consented, of whom 760 were over 18 and met study criteria for PSP. Results showed considerable heterogeneity in picking methods, body sites, and function (e.g., regulation of emotional, sensory, and cognitive states). Participants generally reported moderate psychosocial and physical impact from picking and tended to perceive available treatment as poor in quality. Severity of associated symptoms of psychopathology (depression, anxiety, and stress) was comparable to severity levels found in previous samples of persons with trichotillomania and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Severity of PSP was a statistically significant predictor of overall impairment after controlling for depression and anxiety symptoms. Results suggest that PSP is a significant public health concern in need of further rigorous investigation.
Balancing supply and demand of bandwidth in wireless cellular networks: utility maximization over powers and rates

In wireless cellular networks and wireless local area networks, nonlinear network utility maximization need to be conducted over both user rates and transmit powers. For each of the three cases considered in this paper, we present an algorithm that converges to the jointly optimal pair of rate vector and power vector. For the simple case when data rates are not limited by interferences, for example in single-cell downlink transmissions, we propose algorithm 1, which is an iterative bidding mechanism between the base station and mobile users, where knowledge about channel conditions and individual user utility functions is only needed locally at each user but not needed at the base station. In the case when data rates are limited by interferences, the utility maximization problem is complicated both by nonlinear coupling between powers and rates, and by interference among powers. Through centralized iterative steps, we propose algorithm 2, which converges to a joint and global optimum over the solution space of rates and powers. We then consider end-to-end transmissions in cellular networks, which traverse both wireless fading channels and many hops of wired links shared by other traffic. There is a tradeoff between attaining air-interface capacity in the wireless hop and controlling congestion in the wired backbone wide area network. We formulate this end-to-end resource allocation problem in such hybrid networks, and present a solution to obtain the Pareto optimal tradeoff between attaining wireless multi-access fading channel capacity and maximizing global network utility.
Bitter Reproach or Sweet Revenge: Cultural Differences in Response to Racism

Culture has been shown to influence response styles. The authors conducted two studies to test the notion that African Americans would be more likely to respond to racism directly, whereas Asian Americans would be more likely to respond indirectly and therefore more subtly. Study 1 showed that Black women subjected to a racist comment from a confederate during an online interaction were more likely than Asian women to verbally reproach the perpetrator. These group differences were not present when the outcome measure was indirect responding—administration of good/bad jellybeans. Study 2 used an online format to demonstrate that Asian women were more likely than Black women to say they would not respond directly to a racist comment. This group difference in unwillingness to confront was significantly mediated by a goal of maintaining peace with their interaction partner. Implications of these findings for the study of discrimination, coping, and well-being are discussed.
The activity and radial dependence of anomalous diffusion by pitch angle scattering on split magnetic drift shells

Asymmetries in the magnetospheric magnetic field produce drift shell splitting, which causes the radial (drift shell) invariant to sometimes depend on pitch angle. Where drift shell splitting is significant, pitch angle scattering leads to diffusion in all three invariants of the particle's motion, including cross diffusion. We examine the magnitude of drift shell splitting-related anomalous diffusion for outer zone electrons compared to conventional diffusion in the absence of drift shell splitting. We assume that the primary local scattering process is wave-particle interactions with chorus. We find that anomalous radial diffusion can exceed that of conventional drift-resonant radial diffusion for particles with energies near 0.1 MeV at all radial distances outside the plasmasphere during quiet to moderate geomagnetic activity, and it is significant at 0.5 MeV. Cross diffusion involving the radial invariant can exceed the geometric mean of the corresponding pure diffusion coefficients at 0.1 MeV, and that such cross diffusion is significant even at 0.5–1 MeV. At 1 MeV, cross diffusion is often significant. The highest radial distances and magnetic activity levels in our study do not always exhibit as much significant anomalous diffusion as moderate radial distances and activity levels. This can be explained by (a) stronger dependence of conventional diffusion on magnetic activity and radius, and (b) strongest drift shell splitting at moderate magnetic activity. Simulation codes that neglect the possibility for cross terms will likely systematically underperform, especially for 0.1–0.5 MeV electrons, for much of the outer zone for quiet to moderate levels of magnetic activity.
Stimulation of Escherichia coli DNA damage inducible DNA helicase DinG by the single-stranded DNA binding protein SSB.

Escherichia coli DNA damage inducible protein DinG is a superfamily II DNA helicase and is closely related to human DNA helicase XPD. Here, we report that E. coli single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) is able to form a stable protein complex with DinG and to stimulate the DinG DNA helicase activity. An SSB mutant that retains the single-stranded DNA binding activity but fails to form a protein complex with DinG becomes a potent inhibitor for the DinG DNA helicase, suggesting that E. coli wild-type SSB stimulates the DinG DNA helicase via specific protein–protein interaction.
Emerging Profiles of Female Marketing Managers in the Islamic Republic of Iran: Winning and Losing Competitive Laps in a Relay Race against Male Counterparts

In Western economies the theories and paradigms of marketing management are developed on the basis ofprevailing resources and environments with little, if any, consideration of the personal characteristics of theimplementers. In many non-Western cultures, however, personalities of the implementers affect the design andexecution of marketing strategies and tactics. This paper views the emerging roles of theyoung and inspiringfemale executives in shaping the marketing practices of the state-owned and private enterprises in the IslamicRepublic of Iran. It examines the deep-rooted constraints that the female marketing managers have beensubjected to at various stages of their employment process, including preparation, employment access, retention,and promotion to the position of marketing executives in organizations which have been traditionally governedby men. As the women have recently succeeded in occupying more university seats than their counterparts, arace has begun to capture key positions in the marketing organizations and break the glass ceiling in competitionwith their male counterparts. Using the metaphor of a relay race, the author has studied the performance of theIranian women at each lap under the prevailing constraints and opportunities. A longitudinal study of Iranianwomen entering Tehran University during the period of 1999-2012, encompassing admission data, scientificpreparation, job application, organizational culture, and external communications has been made in a series offield research. A model is developed to portray success and failure of the women at each lap (stage) of theirmarketing management functions.
A Computer study of a free‐radical mechanism of ethane pyrolysis

The pyrolysis of ethane (including the equilibrium behavior and the tendency to form secondary products) has been reproduced by calculations based on a reaction mechanism which includes the reverse of the chain propagating reactions as well as other hitherto neglected elementary reactions. Reverse reactions are important even at low conversion (1%); hence previous investigations of initial reaction rate have doubtful fundamental significance. Values of rate constants used in the calculations were taken mostly from the literature. Consideration was limited to reactions of methyl, ethyl, and hydrogen free radicals with ethane and its primary pyrolysis products. The results can be incorporated into reactor performance calculations to replace empirical reaction rate correlations and thus widen the range of conditions over which the calculations are reliable.
Attitudes Toward Victims of Rape: Effects of Gender, Race, Religion, and Social Class

Although previous literature focusing on perceptions of victims of rape has examined how gender, race, and culture influence the attitudes one holds toward victims, these studies have yielded mixed results. This study compared perceptions of victims of rape across a wide range of ages, educational backgrounds, religions, and income levels, while focusing on gender and racial differences. Results indicate (N = 220) that victims of rape are generally viewed more sympathetically by females than by males and by Whites than by African Americans. However, the effect of race disappears when socioeconomic variables are controlled, suggesting a more complex relationship. Also, a hierarchical regression indicates that age, sex, education, and income are significant predictors of attitudes toward victims. This study builds on existing research that examines such attitudes from a cultural perspective and extends this literature by examining the interactive effects of several demographic variables within a community sample.
On the use of a PM2.5 exposure simulator to explain birthweight

In relating pollution to birth outcomes, maternal exposure has usually been described using monitoring data. Such characterization provides a misrepresentation of exposure as (i) it does not take into account the spatial misalignment between an individual's residence and monitoring sites, and (ii) it ignores the fact that individuals spend most of their time indoors and typically in more than one location. In this paper, we break with previous studies by using a stochastic simulator to describe personal exposure (to particulate matter) and then relate simulated exposures at the individual level to the health outcome (birthweight) rather than aggregating to a selected spatial unit. We propose a hierarchical model that, at the first stage, specifies a linear relationship between birthweight and personal exposure, adjusting for individual risk factors and introduces random spatial effects for the census tract of maternal residence. At the second stage, we specify the distribution of each individual's personal exposure using the empirical distribution yielded by the stochastic simulator as well as a model for the spatial random effects. We have applied our framework to analyze birthweight data from 14 counties in North Carolina in years 2001 and 2002. We investigate whether there are certain aspects and time windows of exposure that are more detrimental to birthweight by building different exposure metrics which we incorporate, one by one, in our hierarchical model. To assess the difference in relating ambient exposure (i.e., exposure to ambient concentration) to birthweight versus personal exposure to birthweight, we compare estimates of the effect of air pollution obtained from hierarchical models that linearly relate ambient exposure and birthweight to those obtained from our modeling framework. Our analysis does not show a significant effect of PM2.5 on birthweight for reasons which we discuss. However, our modeling framework serves as a template for general analyses of the relationship between personal exposure and longer term health endpoints. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compact Models of the Quantized Sub-Band Energy Levels for MOSFET Device Application

The quantum confinement effect of the MOS structure at the silicon/oxide interface can be determined by solving the coupled Schrodinger and Poisson equations using a self-consistent numerical method. Computationally efficient compact models are usually determined from a triangular potential well approximation near the silicon/silicon-oxide interface. The triangular potential model is improved in [Yutao Ma, et. al. (2000)] at strong inversion by using the effective surface field. An analytical model based on the Wentzel-Kramer-Brillouin (WKB) asymptotic approximation of the coupled Schrodinger and Poisson equations is proposed in [H. Abebe, et. al. (2006)]. In this paper we compare results from the compact models of [Yutao Ma, et. al. (2000)] and [H. Abebe, et. al. (2006)] with SCHRED The results in figures 2 and 3 show that the two models give improvement over the original triangular potential well approximation [M. Stern (1972)] at strong inversion, but both show some differences in predicting the substrate doping effects on the quantum subband energy levels compared to SCHRED.
Calcium signal transmission between ryanodine receptors and mitochondria in cardiac muscle

Ryanodine receptor (RyR) mediated Ca(2)+ signals play a central role in excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac muscle. To support the rhythmic contractile activity there is a need for continuous tuning of cellular oxidative energy generation in the mitochondria to the actual work-load. Evidence has emerged that RyR-mediated cytosolic Ca(2)+ signals are efficiently transmitted to the mitochondria, providing a means for coupling cardiac muscle excitation to oxidative energy production, through activation of Ca(2)+ sensitive mitochondrial dehydrogenases. Recent data suggest that the Ca(2)+ signal transmission between RyR and mitochondria is dependent on local Ca(2)+ interactions between subdomains of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and mitochondria. Here we give a short overview of the determinants and spatio-temporal organization of Ca(2)+ signal transmission between SR and mitochondria.
Reliable operation of local area ring networks

The reliability of local area ring networks is studied. Some reliability measures are discussed. Situations that can result in operating failures are identified. Reliability improvement techniques that will result in reliable operation are discussed. Some techniques that will improve reliability using fault-avoidance and fault-tolerance mechanisms are presented. >
Fully reconfigurable silicon photonic interleaver

We demonstrate a fully reconfigurable 125 GHz flat passband silicon photonic interleaver with a box-like spectral response and 20 dB extinction ratio.
Patents and human rights: where is the paradox?

There is an emerging trend, particularly in international circles, to bemoan the human rights paradox in intellectual property. Thus, it is said that intellectual property rights are grounded in fundamental concepts of human dignity and just deserts. At the same time, however, it is recognized that intellectual property rights protect information, a nonrivalrous good. The paradox is said to arise when one human right is pitted against another, when intellectual property rights are used to restrict access to information that could - at no real cost to the developer - be deployed in ways that satisfy fundamental human needs. It is not difficult to understand why this concern is developing. Along with several other international instruments, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights articulates a commitment to protect the rights of creators; these same instruments also recognize rights that require access to the fruits of creativity. As these commitments become enforceable in courts of law, the stage is set for a clash between the right to control information and the right to use it for such purposes as attaining health and education, participating in cultural activities, engaging in expressive conduct, or freely pursuing intellectual inquiry. The thesis of this paper is that the equation of intellectual property rights generally - and patent rights in particular - to human rights is belied by the historical evolution of these rights and negated structurally, by the manner in which claims to intellectual products are recognized in law. The characterization of patent rights as human rights is not only wrong, it also has unfortunate pragmatic consequences: it is harder to make a case for intruding on patent prerogatives when they are characterized as human rights than when they are justified on utilitarian grounds. Moreover, the ad hoc balancing required can lead to unpredictable decision-making and an environment less conducive to investing time and money in intellectual efforts. This paper examines the evidence undermining the equation of patent rights and human rights. It then sets out distinctions that the human rights rhetoric tends to ignore - differences between intellectual efforts protected by copyrights and patents; between safeguarding creative individuals from involuntary servitude and giving them control over the information that their labor produces; and between holding a patent and holding the expectation of acquiring a patent. The paper ends with examples of how a utilitarian justification for patent rights is better suited to the task of furthering social welfare.
Structural influences on intensity interferometry

Intensity interferometry (II) is an alternate form of creating images of distant objects. It is significantly less sensitive to atmospheric distortions and aberrations of telescope surfaces than conventional amplitude-based imaging. The deficiencies of II can be overcome as photodetectors’ read-out rates are becoming faster and computers more powerful. In recognition of the possibility of very large space-based imaging systems, this paper investigates how the deformation of a large, thin optical surface would influence the accuracy of II. Based on the theoretical foundation of II, an optical ray-tracing algorithm was used to examine how the statistics of a photon stream changes from the source to the detector. Ray-tracing and finite element analyses of the structure were thereafter integrated to quantify how the correlation of the intensity field changes as the reflective structure deforms. Varying the positions of the detector from the focal plane and the surface profile of the mirror provided an understanding and quantification of how the various scenarios affect the statistics of the detected light and the correlation measurement. This research and analysis provide the means to quantify how structural perturbations of focal mirrors affect the statistics of photon stream detections inherent in II instrumentation.
Social Media and Electronic Networking Use and Preferences among Undergraduate Turf Science Students

Most undergraduate students arrive on campus fluent in electronic communication methods and social media (SM). This cultural or communication shift presents both opportunities and challenges in pedagogy. Social media allows users to share and network with geographically diverse individuals and has the potential for engaging students both inside and outside of the classroom. Used inappropriately, SM may be a disruption and distraction to a classroom environment and academic progress. With so many undergraduates using SM, and the potential for engaging students with SM, a survey was conducted to assess student SM utilization and preferences. The survey was administered to >300 undergraduates enrolled in turf science over 2 consecutive years. The results supported the hypothesis that a very high percent, >95%, of students are using electronic technologies and SM to communicate. Students indicated that the SM application they used most was Facebook, but the number using Twitter was rising. Their primary reason for using SM was, “To keep in touch with family and friends” and students were increasingly accessing SM on mobile devices. Although most students are using electronic communication methods, the majority indicated they still “prefer” to communicate with friends and family face-to-face or in person. These results have direct implications on learning environments and provide insight for educators attempting to engage their students, perhaps by incorporating SM into their instructional techniques and content delivery. Impact Statement In this era of rapid advances in electronic technology, the methods by which current undergraduate students, communicate, share and learn continues to evolve rapidly. Students regularly use social media platforms like Twitter (a micro-blogging application) on their mobile devices to communicate and share information and experiences. This study assessed how undergraduates were using technology with a focus on learning. This information can help instructors better connect with their students and enhance the learner-center classroom environments.
Simulation Blowing Agent Performance, Cell Morphology, and Cell Pressure in Rigid Polyurethane Foams

A series of over 30 differential equations were solved to model experimental data on urethane foam formation. Methyl formate and C5–C6 hydrocarbons were used as physical blowing agents, and water was used as a chemical blowing agent. The rate of evaporation of the physical blowing agents was estimated using an overall mass-transfer coefficient times the difference in activity in the gas phase inside the bubbles and in the resin walls of the bubbles. The rate of CO2 diffusion was expressed as the overall mass-transfer coefficient times the rate of CO2 generation. The overall mass-transfer coefficient was found to decrease to near zero as the gel point of the resin was approached. Only one fitted parameter was used for the overall mass-transfer calculation for all blowing agents. The simulation results for foam height agree with the experimental data. Bubble growth and bubble pressure were simulated for the first time as compared to the available literature.
Bacteriophage Typing of Bacteriuric Escherichia coli.

SummaryA bacteriophage typing method of identifying strains of E. coli found in urinary tract infections has been developed. Eight phages were isolated from sewage and used to classify E. coli into 14 phage types. Certain types were found to cause a majority of the infections. Twenty of 40 phage typable cultures were typable serologically and no definite correlation was obtained. However, there were several phage types in each serological group. Several advantages in using phage to identify strains from urinary tract infections were pointed out.
Structural Basis for Bifunctional Zinc(II) Macrocyclic Complex Recognition of Thymine Bulges in DNA.

The zinc(II) complex of 1-(4-quinoylyl)methyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cy4q) binds selectively to thymine bulges in DNA and to a uracil bulge in RNA. Binding constants are in the low-micromo...
A Kolsky Bar for High-Rate Micro-compression: Preliminary Results

Initial results from a Kolsky bar with a 127 μm diameter are presented. The small diameter is used achieve high strain-rates and for compatibility with small (tens of microns) specimens. The bar is instrumented optically; a transverse displacement interferometer is used to measure the input and reflected pulses within the input bar and a normal displacement interferometer is used to measure the transmitted pulse in the output bar. It is shown using a simple elastic impact experiment that the pulses within the bars propagate as uniaxial stress waves according the elementary theory used in the standard analysis. An example application is also given where a niobium sample is loaded at a strain rate greater than 1 M/s.
Parametric study of an integral abutment bridge supported by prestressed precast concrete piles

Abstract Integral abutment bridges (IABs) have been designed and constructed since the 1930s around the world. In these bridges, the water leaking problems and maintenance issues of expansion joints are minimized. However, the behaviors of IABs under temperature effects have not been completely understood. In the state of Louisiana, the first full IAB, i.e., the Caminada Bay Bridge, was built on the soft soil conditions in 2011. This paper presents a numerical investigation on the thermal performance of this bridge using ANSYS software. Based on the analysis studies, the numerical modeling methodology for IABs, i.e., temperature loadings, backfill–abutment interactions, and soil–pile interactions, is validated by comparing the bridge response with the field measurements. In addition, a parametric study is performed and demonstrated that the behavior of IABs is affected by temperature loadings, boundary support types, backfills behind abutments, soils surrounding piles, and pile–bent connections. It needs to balance all these parameters in designs so that the thermal deformation of slabs is appropriately accommodated without compromising the integrity of the superstructure and substructure.
Towards improving reliability of computational RFID based smart healthcare monitoring systems

Advances in networking and small sensors (motes, RFID tags, etc) have made it possible to monitor and provide medical assistance to people in need at their homes. Recently, WISP tags, one advanced technology of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, have been used to monitor indoor activity, vital signs, sleep quality, and health status remotely. These types of systems take collaborative decision based on the data collected from all the WISP tags of the system. Any missing tag data within the environment may introduce critical error in the system’s decision and this eventually may jeopardize system’s decision reliability. In order to maintain system’s reliability, a monitoring protocol needs to be executed frequently and it should be made efficient in terms of execution time. This paper studies the problem of monitoring a large set of WISP tags and identifying the missing ones. In this paper, based on probabilistic methods, we propose a monitoring protocol for WISP based Smart Healthcare Monitoring Systems. The goal of this protocol is to improve the security and reliability of a smart healthcare monitoring system by detecting missing tags and reporting back only the data of the existing tags.
Adult Personality Growth in Psychotherapy

This book will expand your therapeutic repertoire. Once crises have been resolved, the clinician and patient explore what can change in order to increase the patient's capacities for balance, harmony and satisfaction. Adult personality growth increases self-awareness, amplifies capacities for realistic social cognition and reduces avoidances. The outcome is the achievement of a wider range of safe emotional expression and mastery of previous traumas and losses. The three parts of this book are on identity, relationships and control of emotion. The chapters illustrate how observation, formulation and technique are linked in a continuing process of deepening understanding. Vignettes give examples of what the therapist can say to help a patient, especially at difficult times in treatment. This is a cutting-edge work integrating elements from various schools of psychotherapy and studies of adult development. It links theories to pragmatic techniques and will appeal to both trainees and experienced clinicians.
A History of Property Development and Ownership in Downtown Phoenix

This chapter presents a history of land use, ownership, and development in downtown Phoenix since World War II, training specific attention on public and private strategies of development, often in conflict, that have produced Phoenix’s particular urban environment. This chapter continues on to present novel data regarding the prevalence of vacant land and the localization of property ownership. Land and development policies born from both neoliberal and sustainable development approaches, all intended to rectify serious issues of vacancy and abandonment, have impacted the character of downtown and led to both tensions and compromises between different stakeholders. While many attempts at revitalization have relied on an auto-dependent vision of urbanism promoting large institutional projects, this approach has been increasingly challenged by local arts community members emphasizing a local, bohemian, self-generating economy based on cultural production. Site-specific attempts to encourage development by public-private entities utilizing municipal tax incentives are often targeted at both of these development visions, producing conflict and exerting unintended consequences on the private market. The historical success of development is quantitatively measured by studying the extent of local underdeveloped land over 30 years, showing notable but spatially uneven decreases in urban vacancy overall. Non-local property ownership is assessed and mapped over 20 years to show that local ownership of developable property has significantly declined, and when paired with interview data indicating the importance of local commitment for bohemian sustainability outcomes, the study indicates that non-local ownership has decreased the transparency of local land use and development processes.
Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Abstract: The caloric value of triglyceride is over twice that of glycogen or protein (per unit mass). Triglyceride provides more metabolic water upon oxidation than glycogen. When body fat content is high, total body water content is low. Lipids act as both thermal and electrical insulators. Some lipids help to regulate biologic reactions. Acetyl-CoA is the source of carbon atoms in all mammalian lipids, and it can be derived from carbohydrate, lipid, or amino acid catabolism. Major structural lipids include cholesterol and the charged lipids, such as glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are simple lipids, phospholipids are complex lipids, and bile acids are derived lipids.
Nursery Care of At-Risk Nonhuman Primates

The Infant Primate Research Laboratory (IPRL) at the University of Washington was established in 1970 to support scientific and medical investigations that require infant nonhuman primates as subjects. In a short time an “Infant Save” program was established to care for Primate Center Colony infants with a low survival probability if they remained with their mothers in their natal social groups. Neonates qualified for the program based on low birth weight and/or prematurity, inadequate maternal care or rejection, injury, or failure to thrive. All IPRL infants, including those assigned to almost all research projects, received daily socialization in play groups. In addition, the Infant Save monkeys were utilized to develop reflex, motor, and cognitive assessment methods and to investigate aspects of feeding, care, and housing to reduce morbidity and mortality. A major goal was to develop methods that did not confound experimental studies.
Protein Adsorption and Cellular Adhesion and Activation on Biomedical Polymers

The design and development of new biomedical polymers for clinical application in devices, prostheses, and artificial organs requires a basic and fundamental understanding of biological interaction...
Acute monocytic leukemia with chloroacetate esterase positivity. FAB M4 or M5

French-American-British criteria for the diagnosis of acute monocytic leukemia (M5) require that 80% of nonerythroid bone marrow cells consist of monoblasts, promonocytes, and/or monocytes. Monocytic differentiation is demonstrated by fluoride-sensitive nonspecific esterase positivity. Chloroacetate esterase positivity is accepted as a marker of granulocytic differentiation. Three cases fulfilling French-American-British criteria for M5 showed fluoride-sensitive nonspecific esterase positivity in up to 100% of nonerythroid marrow cells but also exhibited strong chloroacetate esterase positivity in 20% to 90% of the same population. Less than 5% of blasts stained for Sudan black B and peroxidase. These cases may be viewed as chloroacetic esterase-positive acute monocytic leukemia or as acute myelomonocytic leukemia. The authors favor the former because the cases were myeloperoxidase negative; however, these cases indicate that chloroacetate esterase may not be a specific marker for granulocytic differentiation.
Integrating Compartment Models with Recursive System Identification

In this work, an adaptive and personalized compartment model that translates the abrupt bolus and discrete basal changes into estimates of plasma insulin concentration (PIC) is integrated with a recursive subspace-based system identification approach to characterize the transient dynamics of glycemic measurements. The PIC estimates are obtained through a compartment model with time-varying parameters and obscure carbohydrate consumption effects simultaneously estimated using a filtering algorithm. The estimated PIC is subsequently employed in the recursive system identification approach to determine a linear, time-varying model for predicting glucose measurements. Simulation case studies demonstrate the improvement in prediction ability of the proposed approach (mean absolute error [MAE] of 9.29 mg/dL) compared to the standard method (MAE of 10.19 mg/dL).
Challenges for immigrant health in the USA—the road to crisis

Summary The USA is home to more immigrants than any other country—about 46 million, just less than a fifth of the world's immigrants. Immigrant health and access to health care in the USA varies widely by ethnicity, citizenship, and legal status. In recent decades, several policy and regulatory changes have worsened health-care quality and access for immigrant populations. These changes include restrictions on access to public health insurance programmes, rhetoric discouraging the use of social services, aggressive immigration enforcement activities, intimidation within health-care settings, decreased caps on the number of admitted refugees, and rescission of protections from deportation. A receding of ethical norms has created an environment favourable for moral and public health crises, as evident in the separation of children from their parents at the southern US border. Given the polarising immigration rhetoric at the national level, individual states rather than the country as a whole might be better positioned to address the barriers to improved health and health care for immigrants in the USA.
Artificial Intelligence for Drug Development, Precision Medicine, and Healthcare

Artificial Intelligence for Drug Development, Precision Medicine, and Healthcare covers exciting developments at the intersection of computer science and statistics. While much of machine-learning is statistics-based, achievements in deep learning for image and language processing rely on computer science’s use of big data. Aimed at those with a statistical background who want to use their strengths in pursuing AI research, the book: · Covers broad AI topics in drug development, precision medicine, and healthcare. · Elaborates on supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement, and evolutionary learning methods. · Introduces the similarity principle and related AI methods for both big and small data problems. · Offers a balance of statistical and algorithm-based approaches to AI. · Provides examples and real-world applications with hands-on R code. · Suggests the path forward for AI in medicine and artificial general intelligence. As well as covering the history of AI and the innovative ideas, methodologies and software implementation of the field, the book offers a comprehensive review of AI applications in medical sciences. In addition, readers will benefit from hands on exercises, with included R code.
Scalable free space optical transceiver

Free space optical (FSO) communication systems can be used to transmit data at a high data rate while being immune to noise that typical communication systems are susceptible to. Current radio frequency (RF) trans- mission systems are flooding the usable spectrum, causing it to become overcrowded and inconvenient to use. This results in more noise and potentially a lower bandwidth based on the part of the spectrum a given RF system is able to operate in. The free space optical transceiver (FSO-TRx) system proposed in this paper helps solve these issues with a modular and scalable design.