cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in pregnancy hospitalizations that included a stroke in the United States from 1994 to 2007: reasons for concern?

Background and Purpose—Stroke is an important contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality, but there are no recent data on trends in pregnancy-related hospitalizations that have involved a stroke. This report describes stroke hospitalizations for women in the antenatal, delivery, and postpartum periods from 1994 to 1995 to 2006 to 2007 and analyzes the changes in these hospitalizations over time. Methods—Hospital discharge data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, developed as part of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Pregnancy-related hospitalizations with stroke were identified according to the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision. All statistical analyses accounted for the complex sampling design of the data source. Results—Between 1994 to 1995 and 2006 to 2007, the rate of any stroke (subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, cerebral venous...
CAE Tools for Modeling Inertia and Aerodynamic Properties of an R/C Airplane

control algorithms for implementation in these platforms. Thus we need algorithms and methods that identify the physical system parameters, that in turn can be used to design robust model based control systems. This paper employs CAE software such as SolidWorks, GAMBIT and FLUENT to calculate the aerodynamic coecients and moment of inertia. The aerodynamic coecients are analyzed to understand the sensitivity of the aerodynamic forces and moments due to change in angle of attack, side slip angle and control surface deection. A detailed procedure on how to congure the various parameters required for solving the uid ow around an R/C airplane is demonstrated. Moment of inertia and center of mass are calculated using SolidWorks for empty and full fuel tank of the airplane model and compared against experimental results base on the pendulum method.
Comparison of the exercise pressor reflex between forelimb and hindlimb muscles in cats.

In thirteen cats anesthetized with α-chloralose, we compared the cardiovascular and ventilatory responses to both static contraction and tendon stretch of a hindlimb muscle group, the triceps surae...
Wearable sensor-based activity recognition for data-driven simulation of construction workers' activities

Wearable technologies are becoming the main interface between human and surrounding environment for a variety of context-aware and autonomous applications. Ubiquitous, small-size, and low-cost smartphones carried by everyone nowadays are equipped with a host of embedded sensors that provide groundbreaking opportunities to collect and use multimodal data in data-driven decision support systems. Simulation models are one of the most widely used decision support tools in project management that can highly benefit from the integration of contextual knowledge with the model design. In this paper, a discrete event simulation (DES) model of construction operations involving human activities is designed, enriched with wearable sensor data using smartphones, and validated. The model parameters are defined using 1) a data-driven activity recognition and 2) a static engineering estimation method for comparison. Results show that the output of the data-driven simulation model is in a closer agreement with the values observed in the real system.
Influence of Acculturation and Professional Socialization on Preservice Teachers' Interpretation and Implementation of the Teaching Games for Understanding Model.

Research on how preservice teachers (PTs) learn to employ the teaching games for understanding (TGfU) model is in its infancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the combined effects of a package of university-based methods and the employment of the model during an early field experience (EFE) on PTs’ delivery of TGfU during the teaching internship. The theoretical framework employed was occupational socialization. Participants were 2 PTs. Data were collected with 7 qualitative techniques and analyzed using analytic induction and constant comparison. Although the PTs understood elements of TGfU, a combination of their pedagogical struggles with and misconceptions of TGfU and their prior and concurrent socialization served to mediate and reduce the effects of their initial training. Consequently, neither PT was able to deliver the full version of TGfU during the internship. We suggest that faculty who are training PTs focus on a number of areas including recruiting teaching-oriented PTs, emphasizing the origins of the model in sport, contrasting TGfU and traditional pedagogies, debunking the idea that TGfU and foundational pedagogies are oppositional, providing a graded series of EFEs, teaching within small-sided games, and identifying tactical problems.
Calculation of Voltage Stability Margins and Certification of Power Flow Insolvability Using Second-Order Cone Programming

Reliable power system operation requires maintaining sufficient voltage stability margins. Traditional techniques based on continuation and optimization calculate lower bounds for these margins and generally require appropriate initialization. Building on a previous semidefinite programming (SDP) formulation, this paper proposes a new second-order cone programming (SOCP) formulation which directly yields upper bounds for the voltage stability margin without needing to specify an initialization. Augmentation with integer-constrained variables enables consideration of reactive-power-limited generators. Further, leveraging the ability to globally solve these problems, this paper describes a sufficient condition for insolvability of the power flow equations. Trade-offs between tightness and computational speed of the SDP and SOCP relaxations are studied using large test cases representing portions of European power systems.
Investigating the Role of Fly Ash and Silica Fume in the Cement Hydration Process

This research work investigates the effect of fly ash and silica fume on cement paste hydration. Percentages of each additive were selected to replace the cement by volume to be studied at five different ages using water curing and vacuum curing. These percentages were compared alongside a controlled cement paste without additives. Testing was carried out on 350 samples. Analysis methods utilized Fourier Transfer Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to monitor the hydration with spectra, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to generate images for regional analysis and MTS testing machine for compressive strength. Results demonstrated that silica fume replacement had the highest overall increase in the CSH and thus in the strength of the hardened cement paste that was cured by water curing. Replacement of fly ash exhibited the highest overall strength under vacuum curing. Also, FTIR and SEM testing showed an increase in the change of CSH area with age. SEM testing revealed the formation of pores, CSH and CH in images at all ages. The area of CSH grows most in early ages and diminishes over time. Although it was clear that the method of curing makes a difference in hydration, further research is needed on the method of vacuum sealing hardened cement paste.
Serial analysis of gene expression in renal carcinoma cells reveals VHL-dependent sensitivity to TNFα cytotoxicity

We have used serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) to investigate the influence of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene on global gene expression profiles. SAGE libraries were prepared from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) lines that either lack (parental) or express wild-type VHL (wtVHL). Comparison of these libraries revealed some differentially expressed genes (Glut-1, for example) that were known to be influenced by VHL, but the majority of genes had not previously been reported to be affected by the cell's VHL status. The identification of several genes involved in TNFα-mediated events prompted us to compare the sensitivity of cells with different VHL status in TNFα cytotoxicity assays. Strikingly, VHL-deficient cells were much more resistant to the toxic influence of TNFα. We propose that VHL-dependent sensitization of RCC cells to TNFα-mediated killing may contribute to VHL's growth suppressive function.
William Perkins versus William Bishop on the Role of Mary as Mediator

William Perkins and William Bishop, two of the leading spokesmen for their respective religious traditions in late sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century England, clashed in print over the status of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as a number of other issues. They were formidable adversaries. Perkins, the most widely-read English Protestant theologian of the day, helped to make Cambridge University a centre of Reformed thought and practice. Bishop, an Oxford-trained theologian with extensive experience and associations on the continent, eventually became the first Roman Catholic bishop in England since the death of the last surviving bishop of Mary I’s reign. Though discussions of the Virgin Mary were not major themes in the books of either writer, their views on this subject are significant in showing how the two traditions developed, in competition with each other, during this phase of the long English Reformation.
Determination of lead in blood with matrix modifier GF-AAS

Objective:To establish a method for determination of lead in the blood with Matrix modifier GF-AAS.Methods:The sample was diluted with t-Octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol directly,and use beilstein and ammonium dihydrogenphosphate as Matrix modifier,then analyzed with GF-AAS.Results:The linear ranges for lead were 5 μg/L～80 μg/L.The lowest determination limit were 0.38 μg/L,r=0.999 7,the rate of recovery were 93.5%～101.4%,and RSD were 6.12%～2.57%.Conclusion: This method can accurately determine lead in the blood.It′s simple,rapid and sensitive.
Monitoring of Heavy Metal Pollutants in Some Foodstuffs in Daxing District of Beijing City during 2006-2009

[Objective] To understand the pollution status of heavy metals of lead,cadmium and mercury in some food,and provide evidence for food safety supervision.[Methods]A total of 324 food samples,including grain and meat,collected from 2006-2009 were monitored and detected for heavy metals of lead,cadmium and mercury.The results were compared with related national standards.[Results]The qualified rate of lead,cadmium and mercury was 94.8%,96.6%,93.5%,respectively in the past 4 years.[Conclusion]The qualified rate of heavy metal content is high in monitored food in Daxing District,but heavy metal contamination exists in grain and meat in various degrees.It is necessary to strengthen monitoring and safety supervision on various foodstuffs.
Case 3: Emesis and Unsteady Gait in 35-month-old Boy

1. Ahmeneh Ghavam, MD* 2. Mary Gaspers, MD, MPH* 1. *Department of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. A 35-month-old boy presents with history of vomiting and unsteady gait. Earlier today at daycare he had several episodes of emesis, developed an unsteady gait, and stated he did not feel well. Later at home, his parents noted that he continued to vomit and became difficult to arouse. He did not have any seizures, but the parents report some erratic eye movements. There is no known history of head trauma, medication ingestions, or exposure to toxic substances. On physical examination, the boy is unresponsive but breathing spontaneously. Vital signs include: temperature 36.1°C (96.9°F), heart rate 92 beats/min, respiratory rate 33 breaths/min, and blood pressure 151/101 mm Hg. Neurologic examination reveals a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8 (eyes 3, verbal 1, motor 4); a positive gag reflex; pupils that are 2 mm in diameter, equal, and nonreactive to light; normal muscle bulk and tone; 2+ patellar reflexes; and normal flexor plantar response. The remainder of his examination yields normal results. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head is initially read as normal. Results of all other tests, including complete blood cell count, serum electrolytes, and urine drug screen, are normal. Cerebrospinal fluid studies are negative for infection. Due to persistent altered mental status, the boy …
Focal bone activity on F18-FDG PET/CT images in oncology patients - How relevant is it clinically ?

1519 Objectives Focally increased bony FDG activity on FDG PET/CT (PET/CT) in oncology patients is often considered malignant, especially in the presence of corresponding CT abnormality. However, when such foci are noted without CT changes, the clinical relevance is unknown. Very few existing reports address this subject matter. We therefore undertook this IRB approved analysis of the incidence and significance of newly detected, focally increased bone activity in patients presenting for PET/CT imaging for treatment strategy. Methods Reports of 938 PET/CT scans were reviewed for any focally increased FDG activity in bones. Criteria for including patients was presence of focal osseous FDG uptake, who had a definite follow up. Patients with previously known bone metastases and with significant diffuse bone marrow uptake that precluded evaluation for focally abnormal activity, were excluded. Final diagnoses were based on a reference standard which included biopsy, additional imaging like a diagnostic CT or MRI and/or follow up imaging. 57 patients were eventually included in our study. The number of lesions in each patient were studied individually if there were three or less lesions. The presence or absence of corresponding CT abnormality in the area of focally increased activity was also noted. Results Out of the 57 patients in our study, 20 patients who had multiple lesions were considered as a single entity. Of these,12 had corresponding CT changes and 8 were without CT changes. The remainder of the 37 patients had 52 lesions (each lesion was considered as an individual entity) - 36 with CT changes and 16 without CT changes. Therefore, in total we studied 72 (52 + 20) entities. Our results showed that 85% of the entities with no CT change and 87% entities with some CT change were truly malignant. 15% of entities with no CT abnormality and 13% with CT abnormality were proven to be benign. The p value for these results was 1, suggesting no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of having a CT correlate with FDG uptake was expectantly high, 63% and 87% respectively. However, the negative predictive value of having a CT correlate was only 15%. Conclusions Foci of FDG uptake overlying bone structures are highly predictive of metastatic disease when associated with bone changes on low dose CT scan. However, the absence of a CT correlate on FDG PET study does not rule out the malignant process. FDG PET can detect metabolic changes earlier than morphological changes are apparent on anatomical imaging. A considerable number of such lesions represents malignant disease and further imaging or pathological confirmation is warranted.
Study on Effective Extraction of Al and Fe from High‐iron Bauxite Through “Calcification‐Carbonization” Method

With the rapid development of China alumina production, efficient utilization of plentiful low grade high-iron bauxite has received widespread attention in the aluminum industry. Based on this, “calcification-carbonization-direct reduction” method is proposed for extracting effectively valuable metals Al and Fe from high-iron bauxite. The research results indicate that: after the calcification-carbonization process for high-iron bauxite, leaching rate of Al2O3 can reach 83.67%, higher than extraction rate of Al2O3 through Bayer method. Then, direct reduction of calcification-carbonization residue is investigated. Metallization ratio of Fe is 80.5% when reduction temperature and time is 1050°C and 2h respectively. Moreover, metallization ratio of Fe can reach 93.6% with the addition of additive A. After the “calcification-carbonization-direct reduction” process, valuable metals Al and Fe can be extracted effectively from high-iron bauxite. The main component of final residue is CaCO3 and CaSiO3, which can be directly applicable to the cement industry.
Pharmacokinetics in the recipient depends upon the donor liver. Commentary

In the field of transplants, the practice of using marginal donor livers has become widely accepted, yielding good clinical results. This study investigated and compared the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine in marginal and standard liver transplant recipients. Twenty-four de novo liver transplant patients, 12 with marginal and 12 with standard (normal) grafts, were treated with a microemulsion formulation of cyclosporine (capsules 100 mg) as immunosuppressive therapy. Blood concentration profiles were measured, and pharmacokinetic calculations performed at days 3 and 10 after transplantation. Different sampling strategies to predict drug exposure (AUC O _ 12h ) were compared, and the best limited-sampling strategies to monitor the desired blood levels were determined. Marginal and standard patients showed a significant difference in blood concentration and pharmacokinetic profiles of cyclosporine at the day 10 post-transplantation. Blood concentration at 4 h (C 4h ) was the single best timepoint to estimate AUC O-12h in marginal liver transplant (r 2 = 0.700), while C2 h was confirmed to be the optimal choice with standard graft (r 2 = 0.720). Two blood samples at 2 and 6 h significantly improved the prediction model in both groups (r 2 = 0.920). Our data suggest that patients receiving a marginal liver transplant present a different pharmacokinetic profile of cyclosporine from those receiving standard graft, which should be taken into account in dosing the patient to avoid subtherapeutic blood concentrations or toxic effects.
Chemopreventive effects of α-tocopheryl succinate on lung carcinogenesis: Aerosolized lung delivery and role in combination chemotherapy.

Fifth AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, Nov 12-15, 2006 B94 Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US and other developed countries, and there remains a tremendous need for improvements in its prevention, including novel combined chemotherapies. Tocopheryl succinate (but not vitamin E) has been shown to kill lung cancer cells and many other kinds of cancer cells, but not normal cells. When taken orally, tocopheryl succinate (αTS) is hydrolyzed to tocopherol (αT, Vitamin E) and succinic acid, and the beneficial effects of αTS are lost. We developed a system for generating aerosols of lipophilic drugs using supercritical fluid carbon dioxide, and demonstrated that it is effective for pulmonary delivery of substances such as αTS. Using this drug delivery system we generated respirable, micron-sized particles of αTS. In this pilot project, we administered αTS directly to the lungs as an inhaled aerosol to determine the chemopreventive effects of αTS on lung tumorigenesis using the A/J mouse model. This model has been used extensively to study lung cancer chemoprevention strategies. At 9-10 weeks old the mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of one of the carcinogens 3, 4-benzopyrene (BaP, 100 mg/kg in tricaprylin vehicle); untreated cage mates were used as controls. Following carcinogen treatment, αTS group were treated with aerosol (30 min inhalation of 30 mg/ml αTS) twice weekly for twelve weeks. All mice were sacrificed sixteen weeks after carcinogen injection. All mice in both carcinogen treated groups developed adenomas. No aerosol treatment increased tumor multiplicity to 4.250 ± 0.94 ( N=4 ). Aerosolized αTS, however was associated with a significant ( P = 0.016) chemopreventive effect by decreasing tumor multiplicity to 1.333 ± 0.49 ( N=6 ) with one of the six mice exhibiting no tumor formation at all. We further examined potential synergistic anticancer effects of αTS when combined with commonly used Taxanes (Paclitaxel and Docetaxel) and Platinums (Cisplatin and Carboplatin) in A549 human non-small cell lung cancer cell line. Using MTT assay, IC50 was determined for each drug. Dose-Response effect of each of these drugs was determined alone and in combination with IC50 of VES (40μM). Median-Effect analysis indicated that the interaction of each of the drugs with αTS resulted in a synergistic effect with combination indexes below 1. These results suggest a possible chemopreventive role of αTS in reducing the development of lung tumors in high risk population. Further ongoing studies will fully characterize the role of this compound in combination and targeted chemotherapy. [Supported in part by grants from: ACS-PF-06-005-01-CCE, NIH-NCI-CA112652, Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation]
Current Condition of Michigan Curriculum Materials Centers and Collections in Academic Institutions.

A 2005 sabbatical study revealed 24 unique curriculum materials centers or collections (CMCs) in Michigan colleges or universities. The focus of the study was to investigate the number, characteristics, and quality of these centers and collections supporting education faculty and students. A follow up 2014 study asked how or if the Michigan curriculum materials centers and collections changed due to the economic and academic changes that have occurred since 2005.
“No Blind Admirer of Byron”: Imperialist Rivalries and Activist Translation in Júlio Dinis’s Uma Família Inglesa

This chapter examines the historical and political contexts for Julio Dinis’s 1868 novel An English Family: Scenes from Life in Oporto and argues for the use of an activist approach and foreignizing techniques in translating this nineteenth-century Portuguese novel. The author addresses some strategies involved in translating the novel into English, arguing for an activist approach informed by foreignizing translation techniques. Such an approach, she argues, would help foster appreciation for both the novel’s contemporary relevance and its aesthetic value. In line with this approach, she considers issues such as servant speech, political metaphors, retention of the Portuguese language, and linguistic hybrids.
Abstract WP31: Site Experience and Relation to Outcome in the TRevo ACute Ischemic StroKe Thrombectomy Registry: Higher Volumes Translate in Better Outcomes

Background and Purpose: It remains unclear how experience influences outcomes after the advent of stent-retriever technology. We studied the relationship between site experience and outcomes in the...
Roadway surveillance video camera calibration using standard shipping container

Surveillance video cameras have been increasingly deployed on roadway networks providing important support for roadway management. While the information-rich video images are a valuable source of traffic data, these surveillance video cameras are typically designed for manual observation of roadway conditions and are not for automatic traffic data collection. The benefits of turning these surveillance cameras into data collection cameras are obvious, but collecting traffic data would normally require the development of a cost-effective method to efficiently and accurately calibrate surveillance video cameras. This paper proposes such a robust and efficient method that calibrates surveillance video cameras using standard shipping container as the reference object. The traditional camera calibration model can be simplified and camera parameters can be recovered with precise mathematical derivation. After solving for all the camera parameters, the 3D object world coordinates can be reconstructed from 2D image coordinates, thus enabling the collection of a variety of traffic data using surveillance video camera data.
The marine mollusks of the Galapagos Islands

The marine mollusks of the Galapagos have been of great interest to malacologists since the early collecting expeditions in the nineteenth century.
Magnetic field induced Weyl semimetal from Wannier-function-based tight-binding model

Weyl semimetals (WSMs) have Weyl nodes where conduction and valence bands meet in the absence of inversion or time-reversal symmetry (TRS) or both. The TRS-broken WSM phase can be driven from a topological Dirac semimetal by magnetic field $\mathbf{B}$ or magnetic dopants, considering that Dirac semimetals have degenerate Weyl nodes stabilized by rotational symmetry, i.e., Dirac nodes. Here we develop a Wannier-function-based tight-binding (WF-TB) model to investigate the formation of Weyl nodes and nodal rings induced by $\mathbf{B}$ field in the topological Dirac semimetal ${\mathrm{Na}}_{3}\mathrm{Bi}$. The field is applied along the rotational axis. So far, studies of $\mathbf{B}$ field induced WSMs have been limited to cases with effective models. Remarkably, our study based on the WF-TB model shows that upon $\mathbf{B}$ field each Dirac node is split into four separate Weyl nodes along the rotational axis near the Fermi level; two nodes with Chern number $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$ (single Weyl nodes) and two with Chern number $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2$ (double Weyl nodes). This result is in contrast to the common belief that each Dirac node consists of only two single Weyl nodes with opposite chirality. In the context of the $4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4$ effective models, the existence of double Weyl nodes ensures nonzero cubic terms in momentum. We examine the evolution of Fermi arcs at a side surface as a function of chemical potential. The number of Fermi arcs at a given chemical potential is consistent with the corresponding Fermi surface Chern numbers. Our study also reveals the existence of nodal rings in the mirror plane near the Fermi level upon $\mathbf{B}$ field. These nodal rings persist with spin-orbit coupling. Our WF-TB model can be used to compute interesting features such as anomalous Hall and thermal conductivities, and our findings can be applied to other topological Dirac semimetals like ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{3}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$.
Application to Solid-State Physics

This chapter will concentrate on some of the more general and fundamental relationships between the nucleus and the surrounding electrons as well as between the Mossbauer effect atom and its neighbors.1
Effects Of Recreational Disturbance On Mexican Spotted Owls On The Colorado Plateau In Southern Utah

The Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) was listed as a “threatened” subspecies in 1993 by the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. In the Canyonlands of Southern Utah, the spotted owl is associated with fragmented habitats characterized by steep rocky canyons that attract high levels of human use for recreation, including climbing, hiking, hunting, and ORVs. Human-use levels have strongly increased in the canyonland region, e.g., permits for access to popular canyon hikes increased 1714 percent during 1998-2002 in Zion National Park. To assess owl population status and estimate effects of human-use on spotted owls, we conducted an occupancy-based research project during the 2008, 2009, and 2010 breeding seasons (defined as March-August). We designed our study to estimate occupancy rates and detection probability among owl territories in four areas: Zion and Capitol Reef National Parks, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Cedar Mesa. A primary objective was to estimate the potential effects of human recreation on occupancy of the owl territories (“sites”). In addition to occupancy, we estimated reproductive status. Preliminary results from our data analysis showed varying occupancy rates, with 83 percent occupancy at mesic sites (Zion and Cedar Mesa), and 43 percent at xeric sites (Capitol Reef and GSENM). Detection probability was estimated to be 89 percent. Human use did not appear to reduce occupancy or detection. Reproduction varied by year, with 2009 showing the highest number of young, and several years with relatively low production of juveniles. Our results suggest that current management of human-use in our study areas is not adversely affecting occupancy and reproduction by Mexican spotted owls.
Problems That Can Limit the Expression of Foreign Genes in Plants: Lessons to be Learned From B.t. Toxin Genes

It has been more than ten years since the first transgenic plants expressing foreign genes were regenerated following Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. During this time, significant progress has been made toward crop improvement by genetically engineered plants with a variety of desirable traits. New developments in the area of plant transformation and the isolation of agronomically important genes have contributed to this advancement. In some cases, endogenous plant genes have been re-engineered to produce advantageous characteristics, whereas in others, genes from non-plant sources have been used. Prominent examples include the antisense and sense configurations of several genes that have been used to manipulate ripening and senescence processes (1). In addition, genes from bacteria, fungi, plants and viruses have been expressed in plants to achieve resistance to various pathogens (2) or herbicides (3), to alter male fertility (4,5) or lipid composition (6), or to produce new compounds in plants such as biodegradable plastics (7,8). As a result, many exciting transgenic plants and their products should soon reach the market place.
FROG measured 185 fs pulses generated by down-chirped dispersion-managed breathing-mode semiconductor laser

Linear down chirp compensation revealed 185 fs pulses measured by SHG-FROG generated from a dispersion-managed semiconductor mode-locked laser. Up or down chirping allows broader mode-locked spectra depending on the temporal and spectral semiconductor gain dynamics.
Protein splicing of the yeast TFP1 intervening protein sequence: a model for self-excision.

Abstract Protein splicing is the protein analogue of RNA splicing in which the central portion (spacer) of a protein precursor is excised and the amino- and carboxy-terminal portions of the precursor reconnected. The yeast Tfp1 protein undergoes a rapid protein splicing reaction to yield a spliced 69 kDa polypeptide and an excised 50 kDa spacer protein. We have demonstrated that the 69 kDa species arises by reformation of a bona fide peptide bond. Deletion analyses indicate that only sequences in the central spacer protein of the Tfp1 precursor are critical for the protein splicing reaction. A fusion protein in which only the Tfp1 spacer domain was inserted into an unrelated protein also underwent efficient splicing, demonstrating that all of the information required for protein splicing resides within the spacer domain. Alteration of Tfp1p splice junction residues blocked or kinetically impaired protein splicing. A protein splicing model is presented in which asparagine rearrangement initiates the self-excision of the spacer protein from the Tfp1 precursor. The Tfp1 spacer protein belongs to a new class of intervening sequences that are excised at the protein rather than the RNA level.
DESIGNING EMERGENCY RESPONSE APPLICATIONS FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE

Emergency responders often work in time pressured situations and depend on fast access to key information. One of the problems studied in human-computer interaction (HCI) research is the design of interfaces to improve user information selection and processing performance. Based on prior research findings this study proposes that information selection of target information in emergency response applications can be improved by using supplementary cues. The research is motivated by cue-summation theory and research findings on parallel and associative processing. Color-coding and location-ordering are proposed as relevant cues that can improve ERS processing performance by providing prioritization heuristics. An experimental ERS is developed users’ performance is tested under conditions of varying complexity and time pressure. The results suggest that supplementary cues significantly improve performance, with the best results obtained when both cues are used. Additionally, the use of these cues becomes more beneficial as time pressure and complexity increase.
Right ventricular performance after monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension

Chronic pulmonary hypertension leads to a compensatory hypertrophy of the right ventricle (RV). Performance of the hypertrophied heart has been shown to vary depending on the type and severity of t...
Digital Signatures to Ensure the Authenticity and Integrity of Synthetic DNA Molecules

DNA synthesis has become increasingly common, and many synthetic DNA molecules are licensed intellectual property (IP). DNA samples are shared between academic labs, ordered from DNA synthesis companies and manipulated for a variety of different purposes, mostly to study their properties and improve upon them. However, it is not uncommon for a sample to change hands many times with very little accompanying information and no proof of origin. This poses significant challenges to the original inventor of a DNA molecule, trying to protect her IP rights. More importantly, following the anthrax attacks of 2001, there is an increased urgency to employ microbial forensic technologies to trace and track agent inventories. However, attribution of physical samples is next to impossible with existing technologies. In this paper, we describe our efforts to solve this problem by embedding digital signatures in DNA molecules synthesized in the laboratory. We encounter several challenges that we do not face in the digital world. These challenges arise primarily from the fact that changes to a physical DNA molecule can affect its properties, random mutations can accumulate in DNA samples over time, DNA sequencers can sequence (read) DNA erroneously and DNA sequencing is still relatively expensive (which means that laboratories would prefer not to read and re-read their DNA samples to get error-free sequences). We address these challenges and present a digital signature technology that can be applied to synthetic DNA molecules in living cells.
Usability Evaluation of Tactile Map Symbols across Three Production Technologies.

IntroductionTechnological advances have introduced three-dimensional (3-D) printing as an option for creating tactile maps for people with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have l...
Visualization Skills and Student Success in Engineering Disciplines

Students in engineering-related disciplines need to have strong spatial visualization skills to be successful both in their education and in their careers. The current body of research indicates that students’ innate visualization skills can be measured and improved through targeted exercises. Improved visualization skills have been shown to improve student grade point average (GPA) at a small, homogeneous university. The purpose of this work will be to determine if past research can be generalized to a large, diverse institution. Standardized spatial reasoning tests are administered to students at various course levels and scores are compared based on their student GPA, time to graduation, course level, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sex. From this baseline data and past research, an intervention will be implemented to improve student success and address any existing achievement gaps.
Comparative Analysis of Partial Shading Power Losses in Photovoltaic Topologies

The productivity of photovoltaic (PV) system is highly affected by the environmental conditions. The impact of partial shading conditions (PSC) on PV systems with various topologies is not necessarily the same. It is essential to demonstrate the role of PV topology in alleviating partial shading power losses. This paper presents a thorough comparative analysis of power losses incurred under partial shading conditions over different reported PV topologies. Power losses are analyzed for equally-rated PV systems subject to the same environmental conditions to highlight the privilege of some topologies over others. Power losses analysis is carried out based on the level of maximum power point tracking (MPPT).
The Value of Private Water Rights

As the world’s resources become increasingly scarce with the passage of time and increase in population, different theories emerge as to which avenues of remedy would be most effective. Privatization of the world’s natural resources has been occurring for a millennia. However, as social, political, and economic systems have emerged and faded throughout history, there has been a greater push for privatization. Currently, as the world’s population passes the six billion mark and environmental degradation continues to occur, some advocate privatization as a solution to many of the world’s problems.
The asymmetric long-term electoral consequences of unpopular reforms: why retrenchment really is a losing game for left parties

Debates about the electoral malaise of the Left, punishment for cutbacks, and left parties as credible protectors of the welfare state have neglected the long-term consequences of retrenchment. To ...
Prosecutors and Mass Incarceration

It has long been postulated that America’s mass incarceration phenomenon is driven by increased drug arrests, draconian sentencing, and the growth of a prison industry. Yet among the major players—legislators, judges, police, and prosecutors—one of these is shrouded in mystery. While laws on the books, judicial sentencing, and police arrests are all public and transparent, prosecutorial charging decisions are made behind closed doors with little oversight or public accountability. Indeed, without notice by commentators, during the last ten years or more, crime has fallen, and police have cut arrests accordingly, but prosecutors have actually increased the ratio of criminal court filings. Why?
Systems Genetics Approaches in Mouse Models of Group A Streptococcal Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections

Mouse models are invaluable resources for studying the pathogenesis and preclinical evaluation of therapeutics and vaccines against many human pathogens. Infections caused by group A streptococcus (GAS, Streptococcus pyogenes) are heterogeneous ranging from mild pharyngitis to severe invasive necrotizing fasciitis, a subgroup of necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs). While several strains of mice including BALB/c, C3H/HeN, CBA/J, and C57BL/10 offered significant insights, the human specificity and the interindividual variations on susceptibility or resistance to GAS infections limit their ability to mirror responses as seen in humans. In this chapter, we discuss the advanced recombinant inbred (ARI) BXD mouse model that mimics the genetic diversity as seen in humans and underpins the feasibility to map multiple genes (genetic loci) modulating GAS NSTI. GAS produces a myriad of virulence factors, including superantigens (SAg). Superantigens are potent immune toxins that activate T cells by cross-linking T cell receptors with human leukocyte antigen class-II (HLA-II) molecules expressed on antigen-presenting cells. This leads to a pro-inflammatory cytokine storm and the subsequent multiple organ damage and shock. Inbred mice are innately refractive to SAg-mediated responses. In this chapter, we discuss the versatility of the HLA-II transgenic mouse model that allowed the biological validation of known genetic associations to GAS NSTI. The combined utility of ARI-BXD and HLA-II mice as complementary approaches that offer clinically translatable insights into pathomechanisms driven by complex traits and host genetic context and novel means to evaluate the in vivo efficiency of therapies to improve outcomes of GAS NSTI are also discussed.
Isolation and functional analysis of peridroplet mitochondria from murine brown adipose tissue.

Summary Mitochondria play a central role in lipid metabolism and can bind to lipid droplets. However, the role and functional specialization of the population of peridroplet mitochondria (PDMs) remain unclear, as methods to isolate functional PDMs were not developed until recently. Here, we describe an approach to isolate intact PDMs from murine brown adipose tissue based on their adherence to lipid droplets. PDMs isolated using our approach can be used to study their specialized function by respirometry. For complete information on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Benador et al. (2018) .
Recurrent Pleural Effusions, Lymphedema, and Abnormal Nails in a 61 Year Old Man.

A 61 year old man with history of hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD) with prior stent placement, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presented with a four month history of recurrent pleural effusions and progressive diffuse edema. Four months prior to hospital presentation, the patient began to notice new onset dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, and chest pain. Initial evaluation with troponin and EKG were negative. A chest x-ray (CXR) was done which revealed a moderate sized left pleural effusion. He did not have a history of pleural effusions or heart failure. Therefore, he underwent diagnostic thoracentesis and fluid studies were consistent with an exudative pleural effusion without malignant cells or microbial growth.
Association of prenatal perchlorate, thiocyanate, and nitrate exposure with neonatal size and gestational age.

Abstract Background Perchlorate and similar anions compete with iodine for uptake into the thyroid by the sodium iodide symporter (NIS). This may restrict fetal growth via impaired thyroid hormone production. Methods We collected urine samples from 107 pregnant women and used linear regression to estimate differences in newborn size and gestational age associated with increases in perchlorate, thiocyanate, nitrate, and perchlorate equivalence concentrations (PEC; measure of total NIS inhibitor exposure). Results NIS inhibitor concentrations were not associated with newborn weight, length, or gestational age. Each 2.62 ng/μg creatinine increase in perchlorate was associated with smaller head circumference (0.32 cm; 95% CI: −0.66, 0.01), but each 3.38 ng/μg increase in PEC was associated with larger head circumference (0.48 cm; −0.01, 0.97). Conclusions These anions may have effects on fetal development (e.g. neurocognitive) that are not reflected in gross measures. Future research should focus on other abnormalities in neonates exposed to NIS inhibitors.
Introduction to a special series: What Makes Man Human

One of the most pressing and timely scientific questions concerns the evolution of man. In 1970, Karl Pribram delivered the James Arthur Lecture at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. His lecture, "What Makes Man Human," was one of the most eloquent and brilliant syntheses of this problem ever made. The Journal is proud to publish this Lecture for the first time in an open access format that will make its insights available widely to a new generation of students and investigators. Accompanying the lecture is a new commentary written by Prof. Pribram, and four additional commentaries from prominent investigators who were invited to consider the question from their own perspectives. Together, these articles provide a scholarly, yet accessible, snapshot of different approaches to the study of human evolution in 2006.
Cardiac profiles of liposomal anthracyclines: Greater cardiac safety versus conventional doxorubicin?

Although conventional doxorubicin is associated with favorable clinical outcomes in patients with a variety of tumor types, it long has been associated with the risk of development of cardiotoxicity. Therefore, researchers have focused their efforts on the development of new formulations to improve efficacy while minimizing associated toxicities. The most successful strategy reported to date has been liposomal encapsulation, which alters the pharmacokinetics of the drug, with the goal of maintaining efficacy and improving the therapeutic index. The cardiac profiles of three liposomal anthracyclines, liposomal daunorubicin, nonpegylated liposomal doxorubicin, and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, were reviewed. More studies will be needed to determine the cardiac safety of liposomal daunorubicin. Although nonpegylated liposomal doxorubicin demonstrated more favorable cardiac safety compared with conventional doxorubicin, its cardiac safety appeared to be mitigated when high bolus doses were administered. Of the liposomal formulations, the strongest evidence of cardiac safety was observed with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. Compared with conventional doxorubicin, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin was associated with a significantly lower risk of development of cardiac events (P 450 mg/m(2) or in patients at increased risk for cardiotoxicity, such as those with prior adjuvant doxorubicin use. Liposomal doxorubicin formulations provided a favorable advantage over conventional doxorubicin in terms of cardiac safety. Recent evidence also suggests that the improved cardiac safety of liposomal doxorubicin formulations is reflected by their successful use in combination with trastuzumab and other chemotherapy agents.
The Impotence of Reticence

The difficult national problems which have focused around the presidency in this election year have created renewed interest in theories of presidential power. In this article the author reviews the gravitation of power from the legislative to the executive branch, and, through an institutional analysis, discusses the difficulties created by the shift in balance. The conclusion is reached that rejuvenation of congressional authority is a prerequisite to the continuance of a free and stable American government.-Ed.
Robust Control for a Noncolocated Spring-Mass System

Robust control laws are presented for an undamped pair of coupled manes with a noncolocated sensor and actuator. This simple problem captures many of the features of more complex aircraft and space structure vibration control problems. The control problem is formulated in the structured singular value framework, which addresses the stability robustness to parameter variations directly. Controllers are designed by D-K iteration (commonly called ?-synthesis), and the resulting high-order controllers are reduced using Hankel model reduction. Design specifications such as settling time, actuator constraints insensitivity to measurement noise, and parameter uncertainty are achieved by the resulting controllers. Design Problems #1 and #2 were considered in [2]. Design Problem #4 in [11] will be considered in this paper.
Perspectives on Social Justice: David Boucher and Paul Kelly (Eds.), Routledge, London, 1998. 288 pp., Price £18.99 paperback, ISBN 0415149983

As I write, the President of the United States is attempting to transform the way Americans think about economic inequality. Less than one month in office, he has proposed to turn the federal gover...
An Amazonian Myth and Its History

An Amazonian Myth and Its History. Peter Gow. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. 338 pp.
Phase Measurements With A Type 2 Microscope

We describe two ways which we have developed for obtaining phase information in Type 2 (confocal) microscopes: heterodyne interferometry using a Bragg cell for both scanning and frequency shifting, and a novel "heterodyne phase contrast" technique using a time-variable electro-optic phase plate, somewhat similar to a Zernike phase plate with mechanical scanning. The heterodyne interferometer can measure amplitude to 0.2% and phase to the 0.1° level at a rate of 30,000 to 50,000 points per second, with exel -lent vibration immunity. The heterodyne phase contrast system is slower, but is a single-beam system and could be retrofitted to a standard Type 2 system without affecting normal operation. If scan stage vibration can be neglected, for example in acoustic wave detection, it should be able to measure optical phase to around 0.1 millidegree; however, this accuracy is not yet demonstrated.