cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Barrier Materials to Protect Plants from Florida Leatherleaf Slug (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Veronicellidae)

Potential barrier materials (diatomaceous earth, hydrated lime, sulfur, fumed silica, wood ash) and chemical repellents (2 essential oil-based sprays) were evaluated for their efficacy to prevent herbivory by the Florida leatherleaf slug, Leidyula floridana (Leidy, 1851) (Gastropoda: Veronicellidae) by placing a band of material around the plant tissue or by direct application to foliage. Hydrated lime and sulfur effectively prevented foliage damage compared with the other 3 materials when presented as barriers. Dusting or sprinkling these barrier materials on foliage generally did not inhibit feeding by slugs, but sprinkling hydrated lime or wood ash onto foliage significantly reduced herbivory. Two commercially available essential oil formulations were evaluated for their effectiveness at repelling L. floridana. Pure ‘N’ Natural Snail & Slug Away (a cinnamon oil-based product) was quite effective whereas Slug & Snail Defense (containing cedar oil, pine oil, peppermint oil, and white pepper) was ineffective. Contact toxicities of barrier materials and essential oil products were assessed, and compared with a metaldehyde-based bait (Corry's Slug and Snail Pellets), an iron phosphate-based bait (Ecosense Slug and Snail Pellets), and a sulfur-based bait (Ortho Bug-getta Snail and Slug Killer2). Mortality of slugs was high when slugs were exposed to metaldehyde, hydrated lime, and the cinnamon oil-based spray. Iron phosphate bait, sulfur bait, and fumed silica were less effective but provided some reduction in herbivory. Soil moisture adversely affected efficacy of barrier materials, significantly compromising functionality relative to dry soils. Water uptake from soil by barrier materials was positively correlated with foliage consumption but pH was negatively correlated. Because of the negative correlation of pH with consumption, the negative effects of soil moisture on barrier effectiveness, and the rapid physiological response of slugs to some materials, these barrier materials are perhaps better considered to be physiochemical barriers rather than physical barriers.
Frequency Dependence of Shear Wave Velocity in Stroke-Affected Muscles During Isometric Contraction- Preliminary Data *

In addition to changes in the central nervous system, many changes can occur in the composition and structure of skeletal muscles after a hemispheric stroke. The mechanical behavior of skeletal muscles is linked to the density and structural arrangement of key constituents. Yet, little is known about changes in post-stroke muscle mechanical properties such as viscoelasticity. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency-dependent changes in shear wave (SW) velocity as a potentially informative feature accompanying changes in muscle viscoelastic properties under passive and active conditions in hemiplegic stroke. We used the ultrasound SuperSonic Imaging technique to induce and measure SW propagation in the biceps brachii muscle for both the paretic and contralateral limbs in three hemiplegic stroke survivors during passive and submaximal voluntary muscle contractions. We found that for all subjects, the muscles on both the paretic and non-paretic sides demonstrated large dispersion (i.e., a change in SW phase velocities as a function of frequency within each contraction level) under both passive and active conditions, although muscles on the paretic side displayed larger dispersion. In addition, for a range of frequencies from 108–756 Hz, the SW phase velocity was higher in active nonparetic muscles compared to those of paretic side with an increase of 42% at 756 Hz. This is in contrast with the muscle response under passive condition where the SW phase velocity exhibited a 97 % increase at 765Hz on the paretic side compared to the non-paretic side. These results suggest the mechanical properties are altered for stroke-affected muscles, which may be a result of changes in the muscle extracellular matrix composition. Further, this study provides evidence that there are changes in tissue mechanical properties and that may consequently influence muscle function.
Excluding Europe’s Muslims: Symbolic Boundaries and Anti-immigrant Attitudes Along a Racial–Ethnic Hierarchy:

Research has shown that immigrants in Europe face exclusion in an increasingly hostile political climate. However, few studies comprehensively investigate whether exclusionism is patterned by a per...
Rapid Creation of New Photoperiod-/Thermo-Sensitive Genic Male-Sterile Rice Materials by CRISPR/Cas9 System

SUMMARY Rice is an important food crop in China, and the development of hybrid rice is a crucial way to increase grain yield. The creation of dual-purpose nuclear-sterile lines for two-line hybrid breeding has become vital for commercial rice breeding. We constructed the pC1300-2x35S::Cas9-sgRNAPTGMS2-1 expression vector for editing the male fertility gene PTGMS2-1 in two widely compatible rice varieties, 93-11 and Huazhan, by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We obtained the marker-free photoperiod-/thermo- sensitive genic male-sterile (P/TGMS) lines in T1 generation. According to the experiments in phytotron with four temperature and photoperiod treatments, we found the temperature is the main factor for restoring the pollen fertility of ptgms2-1 mutants in 93-11 and Huazhan, and the photoperiod also has some effects on pollen fertility in two different rice backgrounds. The application of cultivating new male-sterile lines by genome editing system will significantly accelerate the rice breeding process.
Observing cosmological binary mergers with next generation neutrino and gravitational wave detectors

We discuss the potential of detecting thermal neutrinos from matter-rich binary mergers, via a decades-long multimessenger campaign involving a Mt-scale water Cherenkov neutrino detector and one or more next generation gravitational wave detectors, capable of observing mergers up to redshift $z\ensuremath{\sim}2$. The search of neutrinos in time-coincidence with gravitational wave detections will allow to identify single neutrinos from individual mergers above the background, and to study their distributions in energy, redshift and type (double neutron-star or neutron-star-black hole merger) of the candidate sources. We find that, for merger rates consistent with current LIGO-Virgo constraints, and for a $100\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{Mt}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\mathrm{yr}$ exposure, between $\mathcal{O}({10}^{\ensuremath{-}1})$ and $\mathcal{O}(10)$ neutrino events are expected. For extreme cases of mergers with more than ${10}^{52}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ergs}$ emitted in ${\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{e}$, the number of events can be as large as $\ensuremath{\sim}100$, with sensitivity to mergers up to redshift $z\ensuremath{\sim}0.5$ or so. Such scenarios can already be tested with a $10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{Mt}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\mathrm{yr}$ exposure, resulting in constraints on the post-merger evolution of the systems being considered.
Ultra-high (>30%) coupling efficiency designs for demonstrating central hot-spot ignition on the National Ignition Facility using a Frustraum

A new hohlraum geometry or “Frustraum” is proposed that may enable 2–3× higher capsule absorbed x-ray energy than for nominally sized capsules in standard cylinders. The Frustraum geometry comprises two truncated conical halves (or “frusta”) joined at the waist. An associated larger waist volume above the capsule allows fielding ∼50% larger capsules than the nominal 1 mm (radius) scale. A key feature of the Frustraum is that the outer laser cones strike the Frustraum ends at a higher glancing angle (by ∼23°) compared with a cylinder and generate more specular reflection. A scenario for boosted symmetry control from the outer cones reflecting off a glancing angle hohlraum wall depends on the choice of electron flux limit in the simulations. Recent data from the National Ignition Facility using oversized aluminum shells in rugby-shaped hohlraums [Ping et al., Nat. Phys. 15, 138 (2019)] come closest to approximating a Frustraum and are consistent with a flux limit of 0.03–0.04 in matching the simulated Dante drive history, the backlit trajectory of the Al shell, neutron yield, and implosion time. Applying this simulation methodology to hot-spot ignition designs in a Frustraum shows effective symmetry control and sufficient drive (∼290 eV) to enable high yield, moderate convergence implosions. Simulations suggest that adjusting the obliquity of the Frustraum wall is a robust lever for symmetry tuning. A high adiabat (α = 4.6) ignition design with a shortened laser pulse (<7 ns) is proposed to provide further margin to potential late-time loss of symmetry control from hohlraum filling and anomalous sources of fuel preheat.
The Role of Gα13 in Integrin β2-Dependent Neutrophil Transendothelial Migration

Upon sensing chemoattractant signals, leukocytes migrate towards the chemoattractant. If the signal is extravascular, circulating leukocytes roll on the surface of endothelial cells, firmly adhere and migrate through the endothelial monolayer to the inflammation site. Transendothelial migration of leukocytes requires integrins, particularly β2 family of integrins. We previously demonstrated that the heterotrimeric G protein subunit Gα13 interacts with the cytoplasmic domains of certain integrin β subunits including β2. To understand the role of Gα13 in integrin-dependent neutrophil migration, myeloid-specific Gα13 deficient mice have been generated by cross-breeding lysozyme M-cre mice with Gα13-floxed mice. Neutrophil migration was attenuated in myeloid-specific Gα13 knockout mice in a thioglycolate (3%) induced peritonitis model in vivo, and was also attenuated in transendothelial or mouse ICAM-1-coated transwell migration assays ex vivo. In contrast, endothelial cell/ICAM-independent transwell migration was not affected. Importantly, on an ICAM-coated surface, only the speed of migration of Gα13-deficient neutrophils were attenuated but migration directionality was not affected, suggesting that Gα13 plays an important role in motility rather than chemoattractant sensing. To further determine the role of Gα13-β2 integrin interaction in leukocyte migration, we examined the effect of a peptide, MB2mP6, derived from the Gα13 binding site of integrin β2 subunit. Like Gα13 deficiency, MB2mP6 inhibited integrin-dependent neutrophil transendothelial migration, but had minimal effects on leukocyte transwell migration in the absence of endothelial cell monolayer. Gα13 plays dual role in RhoA regulation. GPCR-activated Gα13 binds to and activates RhoGEFs resulting in RhoA activation, but Gα13 binding to integrin cytoplasmic domain is associated inhibition of RhoA. Interestingly, treatment with MB2mP6 enhanced RhoA activity of neutrophils adherent on ICAM1, suggesting that MB2mP6 mainly affects Gα13-β2 interaction. These data suggest that Gα13-integrin interaction plays an important role in the integrin-dependent transendothelial migration. Thus, Gα13-β2 is important in the immune and inflammatory functions of neutrophils. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Assessment of a food-warming cabinet for heat and humidity decontamination of n95 respirators

During the COVID19 pandemic, various investigations have been conducted to determine if personal protective equipment (PPE), and specifically N95 masks, can be decontaminated for reuse when unused equipment is not available. One method under investigation that may be particularly adaptable in lower resource communities is the use of heat and humidity for the de-activation of SARS-CoV-2. Food-warming cabinets (also known as holding cabinets) may reach applicable temperatures and thus the purpose of this study was to characterize the temperatures achieved in a typical food-warming cabinets that has been adapted for the deactivation of N95 masks. This paper provides a general description of how a food-warming cabinet operates and describes aspects that are important for heat de-activation including characterizing cyclical heating and temperature variations within the cabinet. The described experimental procedure could be used as a guide to characterize similar food-warming cabinets. Copyright © 2021 by ASME.
A novel long intergenic non-coding RNA, Nostrill, regulates iNOS gene transcription and neurotoxicity in microglia

Microglia are resident immunocompetent and phagocytic cells in the CNS. Pro-inflammatory microglia, stimulated by microbial signals such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), viral RNAs, or inflammatory cytokines, are neurotoxic and associated with pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are emerging as important tissue-specific regulatory molecules directing cell differentiation and functional states and may help direct proinflammatory responses of microglia. Characterization of lncRNAs upregulated in proinflammatory microglia, such as NR_126553 or 2500002B13Rik, now termed Nostrill (iNOS Transcriptional Regulatory Intergenic LncRNA Locus) increases our understanding of molecular mechanisms in CNS innate immunity. Microglial gene expression array analyses and qRT-PCR were used to identify a novel long intergenic non-coding RNA, Nostrill, upregulated in LPS-stimulated microglial cell lines, LPS-stimulated primary microglia, and LPS-injected mouse cortical tissue. Silencing and overexpression studies, RNA immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, chromatin isolation by RNA purification assays, and qRT-PCR were used to study the function of this long non-coding RNA in microglia. In vitro assays were used to examine the effects of silencing the novel long non-coding RNA in LPS-stimulated microglia on neurotoxicity. We report here characterization of intergenic lncRNA, NR_126553, or 2500002B13Rik now termed Nostrill (iNOS Transcriptional Regulatory Intergenic LncRNA Locus). Nostrill is induced by LPS stimulation in BV2 cells, primary murine microglia, and in cortical tissue of LPS-injected mice. Induction of Nostrill is NF-κB dependent and silencing of Nostrill decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nitric oxide (NO) production in BV2 and primary microglial cells. Overexpression of Nostrill increased iNOS expression and NO production. RNA immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that Nostrill is physically associated with NF-κB subunit p65 following LPS stimulation. Silencing of Nostrill significantly reduced NF-κB p65 and RNA polymerase II recruitment to the iNOS promoter and decreased H3K4me3 activating histone modifications at iNOS gene loci. In vitro studies demonstrated that silencing of Nostrill in microglia reduced LPS-stimulated microglial neurotoxicity. Our data indicate a new regulatory role of the NF-κB-induced Nostrill and suggest that Nostrill acts as a co-activator of transcription of iNOS resulting in the production of nitric oxide by microglia through modulation of epigenetic chromatin remodeling. Nostrill may be a target for reducing the neurotoxicity associated with iNOS-mediated inflammatory processes in microglia during neurodegeneration.
Waitlist Outcomes in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy before and after UNOS Heart Allocation Policy Change

Purpose We sought to analyze six-month waitlist outcomes among patients with dilated cardiomyopathy to see if the UNOS policy allocation change (10/18/2018) affected outcomes. Methods In the UNOS database, we identified 6,294 registered heart transplant candidates from October 18, 2017 to October 17, 2019. There were 3,226 candidates in the 12 months prior to the policy change (PRE), and 3,068 in the 12 months after (POST). Baseline characteristics via Mann Whitney U test and Chi square test were compared with respect to age, gender, race, and baseline hemodynamics. Competing outcomes analysis was performed to compare (1) death or deterioration, (2) heart transplantation or recovery, or (3) continuation on the waitlist at 6 months from the time of listing. Results At 6 months, the POST allocation policy change group had a trend toward decreased death or deterioration (5.3% vs. 6.3%, p=0.08), decreased percentage of patients remaining on the waitlist (39.5% vs. 46.7%, p Conclusion Since the UNOS policy change, there has been a trend towards increased incidence of transplantation or recovery, and decreased incidence of death or deterioration for waitlisted patients with DCM at 6 months. This analysis suggests that the allocation change has improved waitlist survival outcomes in DCM patients, but more time is warranted to see if this effect persists.
Isolation and identification of bacteria from the larval midgut of the diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella

The microbiota of insect midguts plays important roles in food digestion,development and the prevention of infestation by pathogens. In order to study the composition,structure and function of bacteria in the midgut of the diamondback moth( DBM),Plutella xylostella( L.),eight strains of bacteria were isolated from the midgets of 3rd-instar larvae using traditional culture methods. Bacteria from four genera were identified: Serratia( 3 strains),Enterobacter( 3 strains),Stenotrophomonas( 1 strain) and Myroides( 1 strain),identified by 16S rDNA sequence. In addition,seven strains were identified to be from the phylum of Gamma-proteobacteria,indicating that the DBM larval midgut may be dominated by this taxon of bacteria. Our work provides a foundation for further studies on the structure and function of microbiota in the DBM larval midgut.
Mineral Bone Disorders in Kidney Transplantation

Bone disease after kidney transplantation is associated with an increased risk of fractures, morbidity, and mortality. Its pathophysiology is complex, involving multiple contributors including pretransplant bone disease, immunosuppressive medications, and changes in the parathyroid-bone-kidney axis. Risk scores, bone turnover markers, and noninvasive imaging modalities are only able to partially predict the fracture risk in kidney transplant recipients. The optimal management of bone disease after kidney transplantation has not yet been established, with only a limited number of randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of treatment regimens in kidney transplant recipients. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, evaluation, prevention, and treatment of post-kidney transplant mineral and bone disease as guided by recent evidence.
A consistent nonlinear mild-slope equation model

Abstract A new nonlinear frequency-domain model based on the mild-slope equation is outlined. The model is an enhancement over previous work in that a closer correspondence between scaling of nonlinearity and horizontal variation of bathymetry is made relative to earlier models. This results in additional terms in the nonlinear summation terms of the model, as amplitude gradient terms are required in order to formulate a consistent model. From the resulting elliptic model, a parabolic approximation is developed in order to efficiently model the equations. Comparisons between the present model, previously-formulated models, and experimental data show that the present model does evidence improvement in performance over previous models.
Programming in Visual Basic 2010: The Very Beginner's Guide

This is an introduction to programming using Microsoft's Visual Basic.NET 2010. It is intended for novice programmers with little or no programming experience or no experience with Visual Basic. The text emphasizes programming logic and good programming techniques with generous explanations of programming concepts written from a non-technical point of view. It stresses input, processing, and output and sequence, selection, and repetition in code development. File I/O and arrays are included. Later chapters introduce objects, event programming, and databases. By taking a slow and steady approach to programming ideas, this book builds new concepts from what the reader has already learned. VB tips and quips inject both humor and insight. The book includes numerous programming examples and exercises, case studies, tutorials, and "fixing a program" sections for an in-depth look at programming problems and tools. Quizzes and review questions throughout each chapter get students to think about the materials and how to use them. Each chapter has a summary and glossary for extra review. The accompanying Web site, www.cambridge.org/us/McKeown, has code downloads, I/O, and database files from small, simple files to large files with thousands of records, flowcharts, deskchecks and audits to aid with program design, coding, and debugging; PowerPoint files for every chapter; and hundreds of ideas for programs and projects.
Are knowledge spillovers international or intranational in scope

In this paper, I provide new estimates of the relative impact of intranational and international knowledge spillovers on innovation and productivity at the firm level, using previously unexploited panel data from the U.S. and Japan. My estimates suggest that knowledge spillovers are primarily intranational in scope, providing empirical confirmation of an important assumption in much of the theoretical literature. The implications of this finding are discussed in the conclusion.
A Distributed Allocation Mechanism for Network Resources Using Software Agents

Functionality of electronic commerce enabling technologies is dependent upon pervasive networks that a large number of applications share. Given the scarcity of network resources, it is imperative to allocate existing resources based on the actual needs of its users. In this paper, we study a two sided matching algorithm that enables such an allocation using tools from matching literature. Network system deploys intelligent agents that negotiate terms of allocation assignments with other intelligent agents that represent the users. We report the time complexity of the algorithm and give an example on how the mechanism performs.
Monitoring transient repolarization segment morphology deviations in mouse ecg

This thesis details the design, implementation and validation of a system that facilitates partial automation for detection of anomalous repolarization segment morphologies in the ECG of mice. The technology consists of hardware for signal conditioning of the electrocardiogram (ECG); software for the collection, archiving and real-time & retrospective Internet visualization of data, and all algorithm for morphology analysis of the repolarization segment in murine ECG. The system was validated using genetically engineered mouse subjects with elevated VLDL, analogous to LDL or "bad cholesterol" in humans, and elevated but modified HDL. or "good cholesterol." These subjects, so-called "double-knockout," or dKO mice, exhibit repolarization segment morphologies that are manifestations of severe cardiovascular pathophysiology. This thesis describes the technology in detail and its application to elucidating long-term trends in repolarization morphology deviations in dKO mice. The paper concludes with future work that will utilize the technology and potential clinical applications.
Characteristics of Nucleic Acids

This appendix is a compilation of information from Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) and provides information about the major nucleoside/nucleotide constituents and structures for A-, B-, and Z-DNA. Tables and figures provide (1) experimentally useful properties of the nucleoside/nucleotide building blocks; (2) chemical structures of the nucleosides; (3) aspects of nucleotide stereochemistry that are important to an understanding of base pairing and secondary structure; (4) alternative (non-Watson-Crick) base pairings; and (5) the three best characterized helix structures for DNA: A-, B-, and Z-DNA.
Enforcement and Network Capacity in Spectrum Sharing: Quantifying the Benefits of Different Enforcement Scenarios

Recent studies have forecasted major growth in mobile broadband traffic. Due to the predicted high growth rate of mobile broadband traffic over the coming years (demand), there is a need for more wireless network capacity (supply). One of the major approaches to expand mobile wireless capacity is to add more spectrum to the market by enabling “spectrum sharing”. The FCC has issued many reports indicating that the US is dangerously close to running out of capacity for mobile data, which is why the FCC and the NTIA have been working continually to enable spectrum sharing. Spectrum sharing has moved from being a radical notion to a principal policy focus in the past decade. Enabling spectrum sharing regimes means that sharing agreements must be implemented. To have meaning, those agreements must be enforceable. The focus of this paper is to determine the relationship between enforcement methodologies and benefits of spectrum sharing through sharing between government and commercial users. Sharing between the government incumbents (i.e. Federal or non-Federal agencies) and commercial wireless broadband operators/users is one of the key forms of spectrum sharing that is recommended by the NTIA, the FCC, and the PCAST report. To address this problem, we build a model to quantitatively examine the relationships between different enforcement scenarios and sharing benefits. We model two case studies, 1695-1710 MHz band and 3550-3650 MHz band.
DNA Crosslink Repair

Crosslinking agents are bifunctional or polyfunctional chemicals that generate a covalent linkage between complementary deoxyribonucleic acid strands. Repair of interstrand crosslinks has been studied in prokaryotes and in lower and higher eukaryotes. Repair involves the concerted action of nucleotide excision repair and recombinational processing. Keywords: DNA repair; crosslinks; excision; bifunctional alkylation; cisplatin
Chemical Analysis for Chitin as a Measure of Fungal Infiltration of Cellulosic Materials

An analytical chemical method is described to detect low-level fungus infiltration of cotton and jute by more rapid means than the conventional bacteriological techniques. Since chitin is present in the cell walls of most fungi, it was used as an indicator for fungal contamination. The amount of chitin found may serve as an indication of the degree of fungal contamination. For this purpose the quantitative analytical method for chitin determination by Rondle and Morgan was modified for the special requirements, and a technique was developed to eliminate the interference caused by the cellulosic-matrix. Data is presented which shows a good degree of correlation between the conventional bacteriological technique and the chemical.
Factors Influencing Mental Health Screening and Treatment Among Women in a Rural South Central Appalachian Primary Care Clinic

PURPOSE: Some of the most significant mental health concerns among US adults are depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and intimate partner violence. These concerns represent an ever-growing portion of the primary care population, especially in rural areas. However, few studies have examined factors influencing screening and treatment of these concerns by primary care providers, particularly in Appalachia. This study explores barriers and facilitators to mental health screening and treatment among women at a rural, primary care clinic in Appalachia. METHODS: Eighteen patients and 4 providers were interviewed face-to-face. Thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes. FINDINGS: Patients identified 3 barriers (stigma, lack of support, and lack of education) and 2 facilitators (integrated care and positive experiences with providers). Providers identified 4 barriers (operational barriers, mental health competence, predicted patient reactions, and patient attitudes) and 3 facilitators (clinic characteristics, provider characteristics, and patient and provider education). Generally, patients focused more on individual and social factors influencing mental health service use, while providers were more aware of training gaps, logistical factors at the clinic, and systemic issues within the larger health care system. Both participant types emphasized specific interpersonal qualities and the importance of integrated services. CONCLUSIONS: Screening and treatment may be influenced by the availability and advertisement of integrated services, institutional support, strong patient-provider relationships, and provider training and experience. For rural south central Appalachia women, limited mental health resources may make these factors even more salient. Language: en
Dispersion and loss limitation on the performance of optical delay lines based on coupled resonant structures

Relative importance of group velocity dispersion and loss in limiting performance of optical delay lines based on coupled resonator structures is investigated. Both factors play roughly comparable role for the bit rates of 2.5?40GBs
THE ROLE OF ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKS IN HUMAN RESOURCES AND CAREER MANAGEMENT

In the late 1980s, researchers noticed that some managers were better than other managers at accomplishing goals through social networks (Kotter, 1990). Other economics and management scholars found, that certain patterns of connections, which individuals build with others, enable them better jobs, higher salary, promotions and overall greater career success (Granovetter, 1974; Burt, 1992). During the past few years we have witnessed a transformation of many traditional working environment to a IT enabled 'e-workplace' (Arnison & Miller, 2002). That is why this paper examines what the role of online social networks is in career management and human resources management. It points out at some behaviours of individuals on social networking platforms and also analyses, how companies use online social networks.
Muscle Glycogen as Influenced by Castration, Adrenalectomy, and Treatment with Testosterone and Desoxycorticosterone Acetate

ConclusionsSchumann's results are not confirmed. From the data in Table I, it appears that: 1. Castration did not significantly alter muscle glycogen concentration. 2. Neither testosterone nor desoxycorticosterone, in the dosages used, affected the concentration of glycogen in the gastrocnemius muscle of the intact or the castrated male rat. 3. Neither testosterone nor desoxycorticosterone restored to normal the low muscle glycogen levels found in adrenal insufficiency. This finding, with regard to testosterone, though contrary to that of Schumann, is in agreement with the report of Gaunt et al.8 4. None of the experimental procedures led to any marked change in the maximum tension developed by the muscle.
World-Systems Theory: Toward a Heuristic and Pedagogic Conceptual Tool

While its proponents generally agree that a world-system exists, with properties and dynamics that in the modern world function at a global scale, there is still a lack of consensus as to what those properties and dynamics are and as to what they mean in terms of an understanding of the past and an approach to the future. In this paper I seek to clarify some of the ambiguities in the definitions of world-system concepts, particularly those surrounding the core-periphery typology of structure. I then suggest a larger frame of reference for world-systems theory derived from theoretical concepts in complex systems theory and augmenting Marxist conceptions of economic structure with the four-capital model from ecological economics. I present a model for the structure of the modern world-system that clarifies and builds on the core-periphery structural definitions, along with an economic model by which "coreness" and "peripheryness" may be operationalized according to four sets of measures. Finally, I introduce a theory of the dynamic processes sustaining and effecting changes in this structure.
Single-Dose Microparticle Delivery of a Malaria Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Elicits a Long-Lasting Functional Antibody Response

Malaria sexual stage and mosquito transmission-blocking vaccines (SSM-TBV) have recently gained prominence as a necessary tool for malaria eradication. SSM-TBVs are unique in that, with the exception of parasite gametocyte antigens, they primarily target parasite or mosquito midgut surface antigens expressed only inside the mosquito. As such, the primary perceived limitation of SSM-TBVs is that the absence of natural boosting following immunization will limit its efficacy, since the antigens are never presented to the human immune system. An ideal, safe SSM-TBV formulation must overcome this limitation. We provide a focused evaluation of relevant nano-/microparticle technologies that can be applied toward the development of leading SSM-TBV candidates, and data from a proof-of-concept study demonstrating that a single inoculation and controlled release of antigen in mice, can elicit long-lasting protective antibody titers. We conclude by identifying the remaining critical gaps in knowledge and opportunities for moving SSM-TBVs to the field.
Informal systems of care for the chronically mentally ill

The purpose of this paper is to describe the structure and functioning of informal caregiving systems of community-based chronically mentally ill individuals. From a sample of 409 family member reports, 150 caregiving systems are described in terms of size, composition and division of caregiving labor. Results show that these systems are about as large as those found for elder caregiving systems, that women and relatives predominate as caregivers, that there is considerable diversity in the types of caregivers and that size and composition are related to the division of labor observed in these systems.
Early Detection and Intervention in Schizophrenia: Research

The data supporting early detection and intervention are preliminary but suggestive enough to warrant further research. Overall, we need to focus greater attention on the early course of schizophrenia, including defining and describing early course, detecting cases early at onset or in the prodrome, testing whether early detection and treatment enhances treatment response and prognosis, and predicting at-risk cases early in the prodromal phase. Designs to address these questions are presented, and relevant issues are discussed, including study aims and hypotheses, definitions and measures of early phases and caseness, detection (and early detection), treatment interventions, dependent and independent variables, and ethical issues. The technical challenges of this research are substantial, but the potential gains for our understanding of schizophrenia and treatment make the effort compelling.
STUDIES ON PEROXIDATIVE DETOXIFICATION OF PURIFIED DIPHTHERIA TOXIN

The mechanism of the peroxidative oxidation of diphtheria toxin has been investigated. It has been found that this reaction requires the presence of an oxidizable, dialyzable cofactor in addition to hydrogen peroxide and peroxidase. Cofactors are present in a variety of materials and have been partially purified from urine. The flocculation titer of toxin modified by peroxidation remains unchanged even after 99 per cent or more of the toxicity has been destroyed. The change thus appears analogous to the conversion of toxin to toxoid in the presence of formalin. It is suggested that the well known conversion of crude diphtheria toxin to toxoid which occurs on storage or aging may be due to a slow peroxidative process.
Operative Management of Foot and Ankle Equinovarus Associated with Focal Dystonia

Six surgical procedures, consisting of tendon transfers and releases, were performed in five patients with idiopathic focal dystonia involving the lower extremity. All patients were female. Surgical management was performed to correct clinically significant foot abnormalities. The goal of each procedure was functional improvement and obtaining a plantigrade foot. The SPLATT (split anterior tibial tendon transfer) procedure was performed in each foot with a flexible equinovarus foot abnormality. Follow up at a mean of 27.2 months (range, 8-40 months) yielded satisfactory clinical results without significant complications. Clinical equinovarus has not recurred after this procedure. All patients remain brace-free ambulators.
Use of Organic Acids in Broiler Diets

Two feeding trials were carried out to determine the potential use of fumaric acid and calcium formate in diets for broiler chickens. In the first study using male broiler chicks fed to 21 days of age, fumaric acid was added at 0, .5, 1.0 and 1.5% and calcium formate was added at 0, .72, 1.48, 2.20, and 2.89%. All combinations of fumaric acid and calcium formate were evaluated in a 4 x 5 factorial arrangement of treatments. Addition of .5 or 1.0% fumaric acid significantly (P less than .05) improved body weights of broilers but did not influence feed utilization. Addition of calcium formate at levels greater than .72% significantly reduced both body weight and feed utilization. There was no significant interaction between levels of fumaric acid and calcium formate. In a second trial, male and female broiler chicks were grown to 49 days of age using diets containing 0, .5, 1.0, and 1.5% calcium formate. Addition of .5 or 1.0% calcium formate had no significant effect on weight gains or feed utilization. Addition of 1.5% calcium formate significantly reduced body weights of both males and females at 21 and 42 days. At 49 days of age, body weights of males fed 1.5% calcium formate did not differ from those of males fed the control diet, but were significantly less than those of males fed diets with .5 or 1.0% calcium formate. Female body weights at 49 days of age were significantly depressed by addition of 1.5% calcium formate.
Characterization of modified mesoporous silicas using argon and nitrogen adsorption

Abstract Argon adsorption isotherms were measured at 87 K for a series of MCM-41 samples chemically modified with several kinds of organosilane ligands. Low-pressure argon adsorption on these materials was found to be highly dependent on the type of bonded ligands, which opens an opportunity for using it to identify bonded moieties on the silica surface. BET calculations performed for argon adsorption systems in a commonly used relative pressure range were found to provide good estimations of the monolayer capacity for octyldimethylsilyl (ODMS)-modified silicas. After a proper calibration of the statistical film thickness for argon on ODMS-modified materials, it was possible to obtain essentially artifact-free mesopore size distributions from argon adsorption isotherms on the modified samples of similar surface properties. The mesopore size distributions calculated from argon data were highly similar to those determined from nitrogen adsorption isotherms. It was concluded that similarly to nitrogen adsorption, argon adsorption is suitable to determine the specific surface areas and pore size distributions for chemically modified silicas, including functionalized mesoporous molecular sieves, as well as to characterize their surface properties. However, a reliable and self-consistent characterization of porous solids on the basis of argon data requires the application of proper methods, for instance, those calibrated using MCM-41 materials with a wide range of pore sizes.
Effects of envelope flames on drop gasification rates in turbulent diffusion flames

Abstract Predicted and measured steady gasification rates of JP-10 drops supported at various locations in an open turbulent diffusion flame are compared. Predictions were made considering both the presence and absence of envelope flames since they were observed for some positions where the local mean fuel equivalence ratio was less than unity. Predictions were in good agreement with measurements as long as the existence of envelope flames could be specified for local mean fuel equivalence ratios less than 0.9.
Transnational Punk: The Growing Push for Global Change Through a Music-Based Subculture

Little media attention has been devoted to the burgeoning punk scene that has raised alarm abroad in areas such as Banda Aceh, Indonesia and Moscow, Russia. While the punk subculture has been analyzed in-depth by such notable theorists as Dick Hebdige and Stuart Hall, their work has been limited to examining the rise and apparent decline of the subculture in England, rendering any further investigations into punk as looking back at a nostalgic novelty of postWorld War II British milieu. Furthermore, the commodification of punk music and style has relegated punk to the realm of an alternative culture in Britain and locally in the U.S. In these current international incarnations, however, a social space for this alternative culture is threatened by severe punishment including what Indonesian police officials have label “moral rehabilitation” and, in the case of Russian punks, imprisonment. Punk today is once more—or, for the first time, truly becoming—an oppositional culture as described by Raymond Williams, rather than a non-threatening alternative. The international punk scene has become deeply connected to other punks through the internet, creating a growing global community. Through musical and stylistic culture, punk offers its members much more: a voice that questions established values, that screams for change. In these nations where punks have little agency in political and social matters, a guitar and a microphone offer a means of speaking. The communal aspect of punk creates an arena for those involved to foster a culture of dialogue and
Police deadly force as social control: Jamaica, Argentina, and Brazil

When we consider a variety of indicators concerning the disproportionate use of deadly force by police-the ratio of civilians killed to those wounded, the ratio of civilians killed to police killed, and the ratio of police killings to the total homicide rate-the statistics, both official and unofficial, for Jamaica, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro all point toward the conclusion that the police are summarily executing suspects in routine, non-partisan cases. Directed almost exclusively against anonymous, poor people, this abuse of deadly force appears as an extreme form of coercive social control. When the threat of social unrest seems high--because of increased social mobilization together with increased economic misery--the police may summarily execute a large number of suspects, providing that both elite and lower-class opinion tolerates the executions as legitimate. In all these locations, while opinion is split, the police violence is minimally acceptable; indeed, the prevalence of private vigilantism signals its acceptability with the mass of people.
Localization of [3H]N-propylnorapomorphine binding in mouse striatum.

The anatomic localization of specific striatal [3H]N-propylnorapomorphine ([3H]PNA) binding was determined in male C57BL/6J mice. Striatal [3H]PNA binding was of high affinity and sensitive to guanine nucleotides. Frontal cortical ablation did not alter striatal [3H]PNA binding, but reduced [3H]spiperone binding by 36%. Kainic acid reduced and 6-hydroxydopamine elevated [3H]PNA binding. A combined frontal cortical ablation and striatal kainic acid lesion was similar to that of kainate alone. These data are consistent with a localization of [3H]PNA binding sites on neurons intrinsic to the mouse striatum.
Re-examination of the Ariphron Generic Group of Thynnine Wasps (Hymenoptera: Tiphiidae)

The relationships, status and composition of the genera A riphron and Tachynomia are re-examined. Two new genera, Tachynoides and Takyomyia, are described to include species previously placed in Tachynomia and Ariphron. Ariphron is the sister group of the other three, and of the remaining three genera the relationships are: Tachynoides + (Tachynomia + Takyomyia). New synonymies include: Ariphron rigidulus Turner under A. bicolor Erichson; Ariphron fervidus Erichson under Agriomyia abdominalis Guerin; Aelurus pilosulus (Smith) under Thynnus adusta (Smith); and Thynnus schroederi Dalla Torre, Thynnus punctata Smith and Thynnus schoberi Dalla Torre under Tachynomia dentafa (Smith). Ariphron bicotor propodealis Rohwer is elevated to species status, as Ariphron propodealis.
Self-induced temporal and spectral polarization changes in silicon nanowire waveguides

We show through numerical simulations that optical pulses in silicon waveguides can undergo significant self-induced changes in their polarization state. These changes are mediated mostly by free-carrier dispersion and depend on waveguide dimensions.
Investigation of the structure, bonding, vibrational frequencies and stability by ab initio calculations of H3BPH3, H3BPHF2, and H3BPF3

Abstract Utilizing ab initio calculations with various basis sets with electron correlation, the structural parameters, vibrational frequencies, and nature of the bonding and stability of the phosphine-borane complexes H 3 BPH 3 , H 3 BPHF 2 and H 3 BPF 3 have been ascertained. When appropriate, the theoretical results have been compared with the experimental values. At the MP2/ 6-311++G ∗∗ level, the calculated B-P distance is nearly 0.020 A too long and the P-F distance 0.025 A too long for both fluorine-containing molecules. Similarly, for the simple PF 3 molecule, the calculated P-F distance is too long by 0.024 A with this basis set at the given level of calculation.
Human papillomavirus DNA detection in women with normal and abnormal cervical Pap cytology

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and nearly all cases are human papillomavirus (HPV) related. Pap cytology screening has been very successful in lowering cervical cancer incidence and mortality in the US. With the increasing use of HPV DNA tests as a reflex test for ASC-US and co-testing of women over 30 for primary screening, there have been many reports of the HPV positive rates and clinical follow-up findings for women with various abnormal Pap diagnoses. This review describes the reported HPV detection rates for HSIL, LSIL, ASC-US, ASC-H, AGC, and negative Pap cytology and highlights the effect of HPV positivity on the follow-up detection of cervical lesions.
Tunable superlensing by a mechanically controlled photonic crystal

We investigated negative refraction and subwavelength imaging by a mechanically tunable photonic crystal (PC) slab. A honeycomb-structured PC composed of a silicon-polyimide membrane was used because it exhibits isotropic negative refraction within the second photonic band. Using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, we demonstrated focusing properties of the PC lenses at various frequencies and mechanical stresses. Analyses based on a ray optics model and equifrequency surface also confirmed the behavior observed by the FDTD simulations. These results suggested a mechanically tunable superlens, whose achievable frequency bandwidth was 12.9% of the center frequency for a mechanical stress of ±10%.
Morrigan Rising: Exploring female-targeted propaganda on hate group websites

The role of racist women in hate groups remains an underdeveloped area of research, although scholars have suggested that female participation in such groups may vary among the different ideologies...
Fuzzy Concepts, Scanty Evidence, Policy Distance: The Case for Rigour and Policy Relevance in Critical Regional Studies

M ARKUSEN A. (2003) Fuzzy concepts, scanty evidence, policy distance: the case for rigour and policy relevance in critical regional studies , Reg. Studies 37 , 701-717. Regional analysis is increasingly populated by fuzzy concepts that lack clarity and are difficult to test or operationalize: flexible specialization, windows of opportunity, resurgent regions, world cities, cooperative competition. Many analyses rely on anecdote or singular case studies, while contrarian cases and more comprehensive and comparative inquiries are ignored. Methodology is often not discussed adequately. This trend has been accompanied by an increasing detachment from political and policy advocacy. In this paper, I define fuzzy concepts and relate their proliferation to an emphasis on process rather than institutions, agents and behaviour. To demonstrate my arguments, I review three highly acclaimed bodies of work - flexible specialization with its re-agglomeration thesis; world cities; and "cooperative competition' in industr...