cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Indicator displacement assays that detect bilayer membranes enriched in phosphatidylserine

Three indicator displacement assays are described for the detection of phosphatidylserine in a bilayer membrane. A series of Zn2+-dipicolylamine coordination compounds are used to bind selectively to the phosphatidylserine and act as a colorimetric chemosensing ensemble when combined with the UV-Vis indictor pyrocatechol violet. A similar displacement assay uses a coumarin methylsulfonate derivative as a fluorescent indicator, and a third assay involves quenching of calcein fluorescence by Cu2+ and subsequent fluorescence restoration upon addition of phosphatidylserine. In the best case, vesicle membranes containing as little as 5% phosphatidylserine could be detected under physiologically relevant conditions using as little as 10 µM sensing ensemble, and two of the three systems allow vesicles containing 50% phosphatidylserine to be detected by the naked eye.
Reactions of Charged Substrates. 4. The Gas-Phase Dissociation of (4-Substituted benzyl)dimethylsulfoniums and -pyridiniums.

The relative rates for the gas-phase dissociation RX+ → R+ + X° of five (4-Y-substituted benzyl)dimethysulfoniums (Y = MeO, Me, H, Cl, and NO2) and 24 (4-Y-substituted benzyl)-3‘-Z-pyridiniums (complete series for Z = CN, Cl, CONH2, and H, and 4-methoxy- and 4-nitrobenzyls for Z = F and CH3CO) were measured using liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry. The Hammett plot (vs δΔG° or σ+) is linear for the sulfoniums, but plots for the four pyridinium series have a drastic break between the 4-Cl and 4-NO2 substrates. Bronsted-like plots for the pyridiniums show a strong leaving group effect only for 4-nitrobenzyls. An analysis of these linear free energy relations with supporting evidence from semiempirical computations suggests that collisionally activated pyridinium substrates dissociate by two pathways, direct dissociation and through an ion−neutral complex intermediate. Comparison of these results with results for the solution reactions of some of these compounds shows that the mechanism is different in t...
Intelligent mobility through omnidirectional vehicles: a research program

Beginning in FY98 and continuing in FY99, the Center for Self-Organizing and Intelligent Systems (CSOIS) at Utah State University (USU) has been funded by the US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command's (TACOM) Intelligent Mobility Program to develop and demonstrate enhanced mobility concepts for unmanned ground vehicles (UGV). The long-range goal of the program is to develop and demonstrate enabling technologies that allow lightweight robotic and semiautonomous ground vehicles to achieve on-road and off-road mobility and survivability similar to current manned, wheeled, and tracked military vehicles, with a focus on small-scale to mid-scale vehicles. This paper describes the design concept and the performance of the T-series of robotic vehicles resulting from the TACOM Intelligent Mobility funding at USU (the T1, T2 and T3). USU-TACOM intelligent mobility concepts discussed in the paper include: (1) inherent mobility capability improvements, achieve through the unique concept of USU's omni-directional vehicle (ODV) steering design, which features six independently-controlled smart wheels; (2) intelligent mobility control, enhanced through intelligent coordination and control of each of the six wheels in the ODV vehicles; (3) global mobility control, enhanced through USU optimal multi-agent mission and mobility planning system; and (4) future mobility capability and control.
Is living longer living better

Some day, perhaps soon, we may have genetic enhancements enabling us to conquer aging. Should we do so, if we can? I believe the topic is both interesting and important, and that it behoves us to think about it. Doing so may yield important insights about what we do care about, what we should care about, and how we should seek to live our lives, both individually and collectively. My central question is this: Is living longer, living better? My paper does not offer a sustained argument for a single, considered, thesis. Rather, it offers a number of snippets of often-unconnected thoughts relevant to the issues my question raises. The paper contains seven sections. Part one is introductory. Part two comments on some current longevity research. Part three indicates the attitudes towards death and science with which I approach these questions. Parts four and five, respectively, discuss some worries about immortality raised by Leon Kass and Bernard Williams. Part six points to some practical, social, and moral concerns that might arise if society's members lived super long lives. Part seven concludes by suggesting that we should favour living well over living longer, and ongoing reproduction over immortality; correspondingly, I suggest that we should think long and hard before proceeding with certain lines of longevity research.
Preparation and properties of diesel fuels from vegetable oils

Abstract Vegetable oils have heat contents approximately 90 % of that of diesel fuel and are alternative fuel candidates. A major obstacle deterring their use in the direct-injection diesel engine is their inherent high viscosities, which are nearly 10 times that of diesel fuel. Solution to the viscosity problem has been approached in at least four ways:(1) dilution, (2) microemulsification, (3) pyrolysis and (4) transesterification. Dilution procedures have been only partially successful in giving a fuel that passes the 200 h EMA test. Microemulsification is a relatively new approach and has yielded fuels that pass the 200 h EMA test. Pyrolysis gives fractions with compositions similar to No. 2 diesel fuel. Transesterification with methanol, ethanol or butanol produces alternative fuels which could be used in times of emergency.
Do perceptions of neighborhood disorganization predict crime or victimization? An examination of gang member versus non-gang member jail inmates

Abstract This study examines the effects of perceptions of social disorganization on crime perpetration and victimization among a sample of incarcerated adult gang and non-gang members. Using survey data from 2,414 jail inmates, results suggest that gang members are significantly more likely than non-gang members to be both perpetrators and victims of property and personal crimes. Results also indicate substantive similarities and differences between gang members and non-gang members with regard to crime, victimization, and perceptions of social disorganization. Inmates’ perceptions of the level of social disorganization in their neighborhoods are more strongly related to their reported offending behavior than to their reported victimization.
Diagnosing Salivary Stones

Sialolithiasis, or the formation of sialoliths or salivary stones, typically occurs in the ducts of the submandibular and parotid glands of middle-aged adults. Pain and swelling are often among the first signs and symptoms. Obstructive sialadentitis, epidemic parotitis (mumps) and salivary gland tumors, should all be included in the differential diagnosis for sialolithiasis.
Conversion Hysteria in a Pre-Adolescent Girl

Abstract This paper is a case presentation of a 10-year-old girl with classic conversion hysteria symptomatology. Psychological test material as well as the ten session treatment is presented. The original Breuer/Freud conceptualization of hysteria and its linkage with trauma is considered. Current theories of trauma with the usual presenting symptoms of dissociation, abandonment fears, and repetition are also considered.
Combustion synthesis of titanium carbide: Theory and experiment

The combustion synthesis of titanium carbide from elemental powders has been theoretically and experimentally studied as a model system for self -propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) of refractory compounds. Calculations of the adiabatic temperature of combustion of graphite and titanium powders to form TiC x have been made to show the effects of stoichiometry, dilution and the initial temperature of the reactants. Experimental observations on the stability of the combustion front, combined with theoretical predictions, lead to an estimated activation energy of ≤ 117 kJ mol−1 for the process. This value is at least a factor of about four too low to correspond to a diffusion-controlled process. The combustion of graphite and titanium powders was accompanied by the evolution of gases whose primary constituent was found to be hydrogen. This observation was attributed to the reaction of adsorbed moisture with titanium powder. The titanium carbide phase resulting from the combustion of compacted mixed powders of the elements was highly porous (∼ 50% porosity). It can be obtained in high density (∼5% porosity) when pressure is applied during the combustion process.
The coming electronic commerce (R)evolution

Advances in interactive communication will dramatically alter the structure of distribution. Will end users' direct access to on‐line product and purchasing data eliminate the need for many specialty resellers? Will large distributors become more like public warehouses? What is the long‐term potential of “electronic commerce”?
Optic nerve axon number in mouse is regulated by PAX2.

Background Papillorenal syndrome is an autosomal-dominant disease caused by mutations in the PAX2 transcription factor gene. Patients often exhibit congenital excavation of the optic nerve and a spectrum of congenital kidney abnormalities. Using a novel mouse model of this syndrome (C57BL/6J PAX2 A220G/+ ), we investigated the effect of PAX2 haploinsufficiency on optic nerve axon number. Because PAX2 expression and retinal pigment epithelium pigmentation have a mutually exclusive relationship during development and because tyrosinase ( Tyr ) has been shown to modify the penetrance of other ocular development genes, we also investigated whether tyrosinase modified the mutant PAX2 phenotype. Methods C57BL/6J PAX2 A220G/+ Tyr +/+ mice were crossed with mice of the same genetic background (C57BL/6J) that are homozygous for an effective null allele of tyrosinase ( Tyr c-2J/c-2J ) over two generations to create mice with four distinct genotypes: PAX2 A220G/+ Tyr +/c-2J , PAX2 A220G/+ Tyr c-2J/c-2J , PAX2 +/+ Tyr c-2J/+ , and PAX2 +/+ Tyr c-2J/c-2J . Mouse optic nerves were examined clinically and histologically. Axon number was assessed in a masked fashion in optic nerves from mice of all four genotypes and compared with parental strains. Results Mice heterozygous for a PAX2 mutation show reduced optic nerve axon number compared with age-matched controls. Tyrosinase does not appear to modify this phenotype. Conclusions Our results show that PAX2 is important in determining axon number in mouse optic nerve. The developmental effects of tyrosinase and PAX2 mutation appear to act via different pathways.
An SDS-FY Test to Evaluate Quality of Wheat for Oriental Noodles

Abstract An SDS-FY test, a modification of the Zeleny-FY test, was developed to determine the suitability of wheats for Oriental noodle making. Values derived from the SDS-FY diagrams were related to Mixograms of doughs and Instron parameters of cooked noodles for 12 wheat flours. The SDS-FY diagrams were unique for each wheat or flour in both shape and location on the x-y co-ordinates, and were highly correlated with Mixograph dough-mixing time and Instron noodle parameters. The optimum sample weight for differentiation among the SDS-FY diagram was 3 g for white flour (4·5 g for wheat meal) containing about 10% protein in the flour on a moisture-free basis. If the protein content is much above 10%, the SDS-FY test should be run on a sample size to give 0·3 g protein. A Japanese udon noodle flour showed a higher Mixograph absorption and mixing time than soft white winter (SWW) and club wheat flours. Among the wheats and flours tested, the SWW cultivar Stephens was similar in shape and location of the SDS-FY diagram and in the Instron parameters to a Japanese udon noodle flour. Similarly, in multivariate analysis of Instron parameters, no difference was found between cv. Stephens and the Japanese udon noodle flour. The results were used to develop a simplified SDS-FY diagram and confirmed on a set of 10 independent wheat flours. The results indicate that the SDS-FY test may be suitable for screening in plant breeding or estimation of potential textural properties of Oriental noodles as related to protein content and protein quality of a flour.
Biaxially Stretchable "Wavy" Silicon Nanomembranes

This Letter introduces a biaxially stretchable form of single crystalline silicon that consists of two dimensionally buckled, or "wavy", silicon nanomembranes on elastomeric supports. Fabrication procedures for these structures are described, and various aspects of their geometries and responses to uniaxial and biaxial strains along various directions are presented. Analytical models of the mechanics of these systems provide a framework for quantitatively understanding their behavior. These classes of materials might be interesting as a route to high-performance electronics with full, two-dimensional stretchability.
Proton radiotherapy for pediatric bladder/prostate rhabdomyosarcoma: clinical outcomes and dosimetry compared to intensity-modulated radiation therapy.

Purpose In this study, we report the clinical outcomes of 7 children with bladder/prostate rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) treated with proton radiation and compare proton treatment plans with matched intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans, with an emphasis on dose savings to reproductive and skeletal structures. Methods and Materials Follow-up consisted of scheduled clinic appointments at our institution or direct communication with the treating physicians for referred patients. Each proton radiotherapy plan used for treatment was directly compared to an IMRT plan generated for the study. Clinical target volumes and normal tissue volumes were held constant to facilitate dosimetric comparisons. Each plan was optimized for target coverage and normal tissue sparing. Results Seven male patients were treated with proton radiotherapy for bladder/prostate RMS at the Massachusetts General Hospital between 2002 and 2008. Median age at treatment was 30 months (11–70 months). Median follow-up was 27 months (10–90 months). Four patients underwent a gross total resection prior to radiation, and all patients received concurrent chemotherapy. Radiation doses ranged from 36 cobalt Gray equivalent (CGE) to 50.4 CGE. Five of 7 patients were without evidence of disease and with intact bladders at study completion. Target volume dosimetry was equivalent between the two modalities for all 7 patients. Proton radiotherapy led to a significant decrease in mean organ dose to the bladder (25.1 CGE vs. 33.2 Gy; p = 0.03), testes (0.0 CGE vs. 0.6 Gy; p = 0.016), femoral heads (1.6 CGE vs. 10.6 Gy; p = 0.016), growth plates (21.7 CGE vs. 32.4 Gy; p = 0.016), and pelvic bones (8.8 CGE vs. 13.5 Gy; p = 0.016) compared to IMRT. Conclusions This study provides evidence of significant dose savings to normal structures with proton radiotherapy compared to IMRT and is well tolerated in this patient population. The long-term impact of these reduced doses can be tested in future studies incorporating extended follow-up, objective outcome measures, and quality-of-life analyses.
Dimensional Relevance Shifts in Category Learning

A category learning experiment involving human participants compared the dif® culties of four types of shift learning. Initial learning was of an exclusive-or (XOR) structure on two of three stimulus dimensions. One shift type was a reversal, a second shift was to a single previously relevant dimension, a third shift was to a single previously irrelevant dimension, and a fourth shift was to an XOR on one previously relevant dimension and one previously irrelevant dimension. Results showed that reversal shift was easiest, followed, in order, by shift to a single previously relevant dimension, shift to a single previously irrelevant dimension, and a shift to a new XOR. An extended version of the ALCOVE model, called AMBRY, qualitatively ® ts the data. The model incorporates two essential principles. First, internal category representations that can be quickly remapped to overt responses are important for accounting for the ease of reversal shift. Second, perseverating dimensional attention is important for accounting for the ease of shifting to a previously relevant dimension as opposed to a previously irrelevant dimension. It is suggested that any model of these effects will need to implement both of these principles.
Assessment of Direct Cone Penetration Test Methods for Predicting the Ultimate Capacity of Friction Driven Piles

This paper evaluates the applicability of eight direct cone penetration test ~CPT! methods to predict the ultimate load capacity of square precast prestressed concrete ~PPC! driven friction piles. Analyses and evaluation were conducted on 35 driven friction piles of different sizes and lengths that were failed during pile load testing. The CPT methods, as well as the static a and b methods, were used to estimate the load carrying capacities of the investigated piles ( QP). The Butler-Hoy method was used to determine the measured load carrying capacities from pile load tests ( Qm). The pile capacities determined using the different methods were compared with the measured pile capacities obtained from the pile load tests. Four criteria were selected as bases of evaluation: the best fit line for Qp versus Qm , the arithmetic mean and standard deviation for the ratio Qp /Qm , the cumulative probability for Qp /Qm , and the histogram and log normal distribution for Qp /Qm . Results of the analyses showed that the best performing CPT methods are the LCPC method by Bustamante and Gianeselli as well as the De Ruiter and Beringen method. These methods were ranked number one according to the mentioned criteria.
Early repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect is safe and effective.

Background Surgical repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) is a well-established procedure performed on young children. Our hypothesis is that with modern techniques, the current risks of CAVSD repair in children aged younger than 3 months and in children older than 3 months are equal. Methods This was a retrospective review of 65 infants and children with a mean age of 10.9 months (range, 1 month to 15.5 years) who underwent CAVSD repair from 1990 to 2004. Twenty-six repairs (40%) were done on or before 3 months of age (group A) and 39 repairs (60%) were done after 3 months of age (group B). In all patients, the ventricular septal defect was repaired with an individualized approach according to each patient's specific anatomy: direct suturing without a patch, interposition of a small pericardial patch with a running suture, or both. The atrioventricular commissure was closed with interrupted sutures, and all atrial defects were closed with a pericardial patch. Data were analyzed using the χ 2 analysis and the Fisher exact test. Results Three hospital deaths occurred ( p = 0.33). One death in group A occurred during another noncardiac surgery. Early reoperation ( p = 0.68). Conclusions These results suggest that repair of CAVSD defects in children 3 months of age or younger had similar outcomes compared with those who underwent surgical repair after 3 months of age.
Biological sequence classification utilizing positive and unlabeled data

Motivation: In the genomics setting, an increasingly common data configuration consists of a small set of sequences possessing a targeted property (positive instances) amongst a large set of sequences for which class membership is unknown (unlabeled instances). Traditional two-class classification methods do not effectively handle such data. Results: Here, we develop a novel method, likely positive-iterative classification (LP-IC) for this problem, and contrast its performance with the few existing methods, most of which were devised and utilized in the text classification context. LP-IC employs an iterative classification scheme and introduces a class dispersion measure, adopted from unsupervised clustering approaches, to monitor the model selection process. Using two case studies—prediction of HLA binding, and alternative splicing conservation between human and mouse—we show that LP-IC provides superior performance to existing methodologies in terms of: (i) combined accuracy and precision in positive identification from the unlabeled set; and (ii) predictive performance of the resultant classifiers on independent test data. Contact: mark@biostat.ucsf.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Indoor localization and surveillance usingwireless sensor network and Pan/Tilt camera

A system-level approach for indoor surveillance of objects using wireless sensor networks and Pan/Tilt camera is presented in this paper. The objects to be tracked carry a listener cricket mote and beacon motes are mounted on the ceiling. The Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA) approach and multilateration are used to estimate the distance and position of the object, respectively. The small error in the position estimation result was further reduced by implementing a Kalman filter. The position of the object obtained from the cricket motes are used to calculate the pan and tilt angles of the camera, also mounted on the ceiling. Since the camera used does not have the zoom capability, a laser pointer is used to constantly point a dot on the moving object. The pointer followed the object with negligible error.
Multiscale Gaussian Graphical Models and Algorithms for Large-Scale Inference

We propose a class of multiscale graphical models and algorithms to estimate means and approximate error variances of large-scale Gaussian processes efficiently. Based on emerging techniques for inference on Gaussian graphical models with cycles, we extend traditional multiscale tree models to pyramidal graphs, which incorporate both inter- and intra- scale interactions. In the spirit of multipole algorithms, we develop efficient inference methods in which variables far-apart communicate through coarser resolutions and nearby variables interact at finer resolutions. In addition, we propose methods to update the estimates rapidly when measurements are added or new knowledge of a local region is provided.
Dissipative analysis and control of state-space symmetric systems

The paper addresses the problem of analysis and static output feedback control synthesis for strict quadratic dissipativity of linear time-invariant systems with state-space symmetry. As a particular case of dissipative systems, we consider the mixed Hinfin and positive real performance criterion and we develop an explicit expression for calculating the Hinfin norm of these systems. Subsequently, an explicit parametrization of the static output feedback control gains that solve the mixed Hinfin and positive real performance problem is obtained. Computational examples demonstrate the use and computational advantages of the proposed explicit solutions.
Average performance of Monte Carlo and Quasi-Monte Carlo methods for global optimization

Passive algorithms for global optimization of a function choose observation points independently of past observed values. We study the average performance of two common passive algorithms, where the average is with respect to a probability on a function space. We consider the case where the probability is on smooth functions, and compare the results to the case where the probability is on non-differentiable functions. The first algorithm chooses equally spaced observation points, while the second algorithm chooses the observation points independently and uniformly distributed. The average convergence rate is derived for both algorithms.
Efficient particle production by minimal Gag constructs which retain the carboxy-terminal domain of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 capsid-p2 and a late assembly domain.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag precursor Pr55gag by itself is capable of assembling into retrovirus-like particles (VLP). In the present study, we attempted to identify the minimal Gag sequences required for the formation of VLP. Our results show that about 80% of Pr55gag can be either deleted or replaced by heterologous sequences without significantly compromising VLP production. The smallest chimeric molecule still able to efficiently form VLP was only about 16 kDa. This minimal Gag construct contained the leucine zipper domain of the yeast transcription factor GCN4 to substitute for the assembly function of nucleocapsid (NC), followed by a P-P-P-P-Y motif to provide late budding (L) domain function, and retained only the myristylation signal and the C-terminal capsid-p2 domain of Pr55gag. We also show that the L domain function of HIV-1 p6gag is not dependent on the presence of an active viral protease and that the NC domain of Pr55gag is dispensable for the incorporation of Vpr into VLP.
Secondary Prevention Efforts at the Middle School Level: An Application of the Behavior Education Program

In this study we examine the impact of the Behavior Education Program (BEP; Hawken, MacLeod, & Rawlings, 2007) with four middle school students who were not responsive to a comprehensive primary prevention program including academic, behavioral and social components. To extend this line of inquiry we (a) conducted a functional behavioral assessment prior to implementing the BEP and (b) employed a changing criterion design to determine if a functional relation could be established between the introduction of the BEP program and changes in student performance. Results suggest this intervention may be effective for students whose challenging behaviors are maintained by attention and escape. However, the variability in scores raises questions and concerns regarding the nature of the behavior change that may have occurred. Additional limitations and future direction are discussed.
RED-BACKED VOLE (CLETHRIONOMYS GAPPERI) RESPONSE TO DISTURBANCE IN SUBALPINE FORESTS: USE OF REGENERATING PATCHES

We investigated scale-dependent habitat selection by the southern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi) in subalpine forests and 20- to 30-year-old regenerating timber harvests of the central Rocky Mountains. At the macrohabitat level, C. gapperi preferred forest stands, which had more overstory canopy cover, more uniformly distributed coarse woody debris (CWD), and more dwarf huckleberry (Vaccinium scoparium) than regenerating harvested stands. Further, C. gapperi was captured in forest stands up to harvest boundaries but crossed them significantly less than expected by chance. Analysis of microhabitat selection indicated that, in forest stands, C. gapperi showed selection at a fine spatial scale, strongly favoring CWD microhabitats and avoiding those dominated by V. scoparium. Our results suggest that older, regenerating clear-cuts in the Rocky Mountains can have clearly defined impacts on C. gapperi similar to those immediately after timber harvests, but that regenerating clear-cuts do support some use by C. gapperi. The results support the association of C. gapperi with CWD and forest overstory in western montane habitats and indicate a noticeable response to forest boundaries but no direct edge effect.
Biodegradable polymer iron oxide nanocomposites: the future of biocompatible magnetism

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have become increasingly popular for various biomedical applications. The superparamagnetic properties of these nanoparticles enable their magnetic manipulation of biological targets such as cells, proteins and nucleic acids. In addition, SPIONs allow for MRI contrast for cells and tissues. Although generally nontoxic, these particles on their own are not sufficiently biocompatible due to their inorganic nature. One strategy to circumvent this compatibility issue is to coat the SPIONs with a biocompatible polymer. Although polymer coating is effective at mitigating potential complications at the SPION/biological interface, this only scratches the surface of the functionality that can be enabled by polymer-SPION nanocomposites. For example, polymeric nanostructures can have multifunctional drug delivery abilities, including control of the delivery of biological payloads in both space and time. An emerging strategy is to combine the advantages of inorganic SPIONs with the drug delivery capabilities of biodegradable polymeric particles to create multifunctional theranostic polymer-SPION nanocomposites. By treating the SPIONs as a cargo to be loaded into larger biodegradable polymeric nanostructures, new nanocomposites can be created to unite the beneficial features of paramagnetism and controlled drug release into one single nanoparticle. Biodegradable polymer iron oxide nanoparticles are promising for applications to many areas of medicine.
The MG-RAST Metagenomics Database and Portal in 2015

MG-RAST (http://metagenomics.anl.gov) is an open-submission data portal for processing, analyzing, sharing and disseminating metagenomic datasets. The system currently hosts over 200,000 datasets and is continuously updated. The volume of submissions has increased 4-fold over the past 24 months, now averaging 4 terabasepairs per month. In addition to several new features, we report changes to the analysis workflow and the technologies used to scale the pipeline up to the required throughput levels. To show possible uses for the data from MG-RAST, we present several examples integrating data and analyses from MG-RAST into popular third-party analysis tools or sequence alignment tools.
Not Just a Phase: Outphasing Power Amplifiers

Performing RF amplification in a way that is simultaneously linear and efficient has long been a challenge in power amplifier (PA) design. In short, single-transistor PAs can either be operated in a linear (but inefficient) current-source mode of operation or as efficient (but nonlinear) switches, but these two modes are mutually exclusive. The outphasing concept has been explored to address this tradeoff by using efficient but nonlinear elements in an architecture providing linear output power control.
Hands off Our Fingerprints: State, Local, and Individual Defiance of Federal Immigration Enforcement

Secure Communities, though little-known outside law-enforcement circles, is one of the most powerful of the federal government’s immigration enforcement programs. Under Secure Communities, fingerprints collected by state and local law enforcement and provided to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for criminal background checks are automatically shared with the Department of Homeland Security, which checks the fingerprints against its immigration database. In the event of a match, an immigration detainer can be issued and an individual held after they would otherwise be entitled to release. Originally designed as a voluntary program in which local governments could choose to participate, the Department of Homeland Security now mandates local participation in Secure Communities. Though admittedly an efficient mechanism to check immigration status, the program and its local implementation create a variety of tensions. Many local police are concerned that community trust, often essential to effective policing, is eroded when the police operate as an arm of immigration enforcement. In some jurisdictions, the program may encourage racial profiling and, in others, jail budgets are stretched as localities absorb the costs of housing those with immigration holds. And, as pointed out by many localities, despite being touted as a program that prioritizes the removal of those who pose a danger to national security or public safety, data shows that approximately two-thirds of the detainers issued targeted individuals with either no record of conviction or conviction for minor offenses. In this Article, I examine Secure Communities from the perspective of state and local governments and individuals seeking to defy mandatory program participation. I explore this local defiance from the stage at which immigration enforcement is set in motion, the sharing of fingerprints information by localities with the federal government. I first analyze the implications for state and local governments by balancing preemption and anti-commandeering concepts in the context of state and local defiance of the federally mandated program. I then analyze the implications for individuals by exploring the tensions between privacy and efficiencies inherent in government information sharing, and address whether the Federal Privacy Act protects individuals from improper fingerprint disclosure. I resolve that a number of legally viable options exist to enable state and local government defiance, as well as individual defiance, but that each option has limitations. I conclude that the Secure Communities mandate overlooks constitutional, statutory, and practical considerations and that the sharing requirement should be voluntary rather than compulsory.
Studies in Water Balance. 2: Anoxemia Factor in Water Intoxication

SummaryThe correlation of the changes in Mood oxygen content, oxygen consumption rate and hemoglobin dilution during the administration of excessive amounts of fluid seems to indicate that the symptoms of water intoxication are those, in part, of an anoxemia.
Effects of temperature on electroencephalogram of the caiman.

SummaryCerebrum. An independent fast frequency of 18-24 cycles per second with an amplitude of 10-20 μv was observed intermittently. Restraint in these animals appears to have little effect on the frequency. Hypothermia, 5°;C (3-6°;C) reduced the spontaneous electrical activity close to the isoelectric base line in most animals tested. Hyperthermia, 35°;C (32-36°;C) was characterized by a “delta” wave of 1-3 cycles per second. A “beta” frequency appeared to be superimposed. The trance-like state also revealed a dominant delta frequency of 0.5-2 cycles per second. A “beta” wave with an amplitude of 5-10 μv was seen superimposed on the slow wave (“theta”). The alpha-like wave appeared to be essentially absent under conditions of hypothermia, hyperthermia, and supine (trance-like state) position. Optic lobes. Electroencephalographs from the optic lobes demonstrated a predominant slow wave of 6-8 cycles per second with an amplitude of 5-10 μv. This frequency and amplitude was markedly depressed under hypother...
Adult onset primary focal dystonia of the foot: an orthopaedic intervention

A 54-year-old woman presented to a foot centre with a chief symptom of cramping in her toes, which, she believed, was of a secondary cause originating from a bunion. She was treated conservatively; however, she returned a month later as the symptoms had progressed to painful cramping of toes, toe-curling and instability while walking, due to involuntary movement of her toes. It was believed that the patient presented with a rare case of primary adult onset focal foot dystonia. This case report explains dystonia further in detail and delves into the different treatment and management options available today, including the unique orthopaedic intervention provided for this patient.
Clinical assessment of endothelial dysfunction: combine and rule.

Purpose of reviewTo briefly survey the literature for the past 2–3 years on the subject of diagnostic and prognostic markers of endothelial cell dysfunction.Recent findingsEstablished and emerging techniques to detect endothelial cell dysfunction are divided into two large families: (1) functional a
Thraustochytrids and Labyrinthulids of Terrestrial, Aquatic and Hypersaline Environments of the Great Salt Lake, USA

(1978). Thraustochytrids and Labyrinthulids of Terrestrial, Aquatic and Hypersaline Environments of the Great Salt Lake, USA. Mycologia: Vol. 70, No. 6, pp. 1299-1301.
PURIFICATION TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY ON MINE DRAINAGE IN LIYAN COAL MINE

According to the water quality and treatment scale of mine drainage, the main technology parameters and main treatment structures could be determined. Many economy, environment and society benefits arc achieved from treating mine drainage to process and domestic water.
Colocalization of H(+)-ATPase and band 3 anion exchanger in rabbit collecting duct intercalated cells.

Two major types of intercalated cells (IC) have been previously defined in rabbit collecting duct: alpha-cells have a basolateral band 3-like anion exchanger and secrete H+, whereas beta-cells bind peanut agglutinin (PNA) apically and are believed to secrete HCO3-. To further define IC types, we double-labeled kidney sections with anti-H(+) -ATPase antibodies and with either an anti-band 3 antibody or PNA. We found four patterns of staining: 1) IC with apical H(+)-ATPase and basal band 3, a configuration consistent with ongoing H+ secretion, which prevailed in the inner stripe of outer medulla (OMCDi); 2) diffuse H(+)-ATPase labeling across the cell and basal band 3, which was most numerous in the outer stripe of outer medulla (OMCDo); 3) IC with "bright" apical peanut lectin, diffuse H(+)-ATPase, and no band 3, which was abundant in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) and probably represents HCO3(-)-secreting cells; and 4) "hybrid" cells with various staining combinations (e.g., apical lectin binding and apical H(+)-ATPase), which although they are uncommon, were seen in the CCD. Consistent with this immunocytochemical finding of hybrid cells, cell-sorting studies on isolated CCD IC showed that 6-18% of PNA-positive cells also stained positively for band 3. We conclude that 1) band 3-positive IC in the OMCD vary axially. Most OMCDi IC are probably active proton secretors, whereas up to one-half of OMCDo IC may be latent H+ secretors. 2) The diffuse H(+)-ATPase pattern in putative beta-cells differs from comparable results in the rat and is not consistent with a "reversed" alpha-cell. HCO3- secretion by beta-cells may be driven by an H+ extrusion mechanism other than the alpha-cell pump re-sorted to the basolateral membrane. 3) The possibility of hybrid cells that might combine alpha- and beta-cell transport proteins suggests a mechanism for functional reversal of collecting duct IC polarity.
O3-induced inflammation in prepregnant, pregnant, and lactating rats correlates with O3 dose estimated by 18O.

Previous studies have shown that rats late in pregnancy and throughout lactation are more susceptible to ozone (O3)-induced pulmonary inflammation than are prepregnant (virgin) or postlactating rats. The major aim of the present study was to determine whether these differences in response intensity could be accounted for by the O3 dose to the lower region of the lung. The relative O3 dose to the lower lung of groups of pregnant, lactating, and virgin female rats was estimated by measuring the incorporation of the 18O isotope into low-speed (cells) and high-speed (surfactant) pellets of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid immediately after acute exposure to 0.5-1.1 parts/million 18O3. The polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) and protein inflammatory responses were established 20 h after acute exposure of identical physiological groups to 0.5-1.1 parts/million 16O3 (common isotope). A single regression of PMN inflammation data against surfactant 18O concentration for all physiological groups gave a linear relationship, indicating direct proportionality of PMN inflammation with this estimate of relative dose to the lower lung regardless of physiological status. This implies that the chemical species that react with surfactant molecules, i.e., O3 or its metabolites, are the same as or proportional to those chemical species responsible for initiating PMN inflammation. Additional experiments showed that lung tissue ascorbic acid concentration was significantly lower in pregnant and lactating rats than in virgin female rats. Although a causative relationship cannot be assumed, the deficit in tissue ascorbic acid concentration in pregnant and lactating rats compared with virgin female rats is consistent with their greater responsiveness and higher relative surfactant O3 dose.
Vitamin D in Psoriasis

A 59-year-old African American male presented to clinic for evaluation of plaque-type psoriasis. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy of the right forearm plaque, which revealed prominent parakeratosis with an absent granular cell layer, epidermal acanthosis with suprapapillary plate thinning, and superficial dermal mononuclear perivascular cell infiltrate consistent with psoriasiform dermatitis. The patient was placed on 20 mg acitretin daily, calcipotriol cream daily on weekdays, and clobetasol ointment daily during weekends and experienced symptomatic improvement. At that time, all thick leg plaques were cleared. However, the patient’s triglycerides were found to be elevated at 569 mg/dL in non-fasting conditions and 528 mg/dL in fasting conditions (normal range, 35–160 mg/dL). Acitretin was decreased to 10 mg daily, and the patient was started on gemfibrozil. Triglyceride levels stabilized at 252 mg/dL within the same month, and the patient was advised to maintain 10 mg daily acitretin dose as long as CBC, CMP, and lipid panels remained within normal limits. The patient subsequently reported psoriasis flares while on 10 mg acitretin daily, and the dosage was increased back to 20 mg daily.
Vegetarian Diet During Pregnancy: Assessment and Support.

A good nutritional history is the cornerstone of anticipatory guidance that nurses provide from preconception planning to parenting. An open and welcoming reaction when pregnant women indicate they are following a vegetarian diet, along with solid knowledge are factors in how confident the women wil
Laboratory Studies of Galvanic Corrosion of Aluminum Alloys

In a systematic study of galvanic corrosion of aluminum alloys the effects of the dissimilar metal, the solution composition, and area ratio have been evaluated using galvanic current and weight loss measurements. In 3.5 percent sodium chloride, galvanic corrosion rates of the aluminum alloys 1100, 2024, 2219, 6061, and 7075 decrease with the nature of the dissimilar metal in the order: silver > copper > 4130 steel >> stainless steel nickel > Inconel 718 >> Ti-6A1-4V Haynes 188 > tin > cadmium. Coupling to zinc did not lead to cathodic protection of the aluminum alloys as shown by weight loss data, although the aluminum alloys were the cathode in the aluminum-zinc couple. The potential difference of uncoupled dissimilar metals has been found to be a poor indicator of galvanic corrosion rates. Dissolution rates of aluminum alloys coupled to a given dissimilar material are higher in 3.5 percent sodium chloride than in tap water and distilled water where they are found to be comparable. The effect of area ratio A C /A A has been studied in 3.5 percent sodium chloride for area ratios of 0.1, 1.0, or 10. The galvanic curent was found to be independent of the area of the anode, but directly proportional to the area of the cathode. The galvanic current density i g A with respect to the anode has been found to be directly proportional to the area ratio (i g A = k 1 A C /A A ), while the dissolution rate r A of the anode was related to area area ratio by r A = k 2 (1 + A C /A A ). The results obtained have been explained based on mixed potential theory. Electrochemical methods for measurements of galvanic currents are described in the Appendix.
Using an agent-based sexual-network model to guide mitigation efforts for controlling chlamydia

We create and analyze a stochastic heterosexual agent-based bipartite network model to help understand the spread of chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and is major cause of infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ectopic pregnancy among women. We use an agent-based network model to capture the complex heterogeneous assortative sexual mixing network of men and women. Both long-term and casual partnerships are modeled with different sexual contact frequencies and condom use. We use simulations to compare the effectiveness of intervention strategies based on randomly screening people for infection, treating the partners of infected people, and rescreening for infection after treatment. We compare the difference between treating the partners of an infected person both with, and without, testing them first for infection. The highest prevalence is among young sexually active individuals. We calibrate the model parameters to agree with recent survey data showing chlamydia prevalence of 14% of the women and 9% of the men in the 15-25 year-old African American residents of New Orleans, Louisiana. We observed that although increased chlamydia screening and treating most of the partners of infected people will reduce the incidence, these mitigations alone are not sufficient to control the epidemic. The model predicts that the current epidemic can brought under control once over half of the partners of infected people are tested and treated.
“I'm a Visual Learner so I like this”: Investigating Student and Faculty Tutorial Preferences

Online tutorials are useful for reinforcing information literacy concepts addressed in library instruction. A wide range of tutorial types cater to different learning styles and feature varying lev...
Principles of Strategy: Primer

A competitive strategy augments a corporate organization with inherent capabilities to sustain superior performance on a long-term basis [84]. Many strategy concepts exist and will be described in this chapter, with a special focus placed on practical matters such as key challenges and “programs” that can be used as roadmaps for implementation. Popular strategies include the five forces, the value chain, the product life cycle, disruptive innovation and blue ocean, to name a few. The reader is invited to consider these models as a simple aid to thinking about reality, since none of these theoretical concepts or authors thereof ever claim to describe the reality for any one particular circumstance. They claim to facilitate discussion and creativity over a wide range of concrete business issues. Armed with such tools, the consultant may examine whether his/her client does indeed enjoy a competitive advantage, and develop a winning strategy.
Electron and energy-transfer reactions of Ru(bpy)32+*/3+ with copper-phenolates

Abstract Covalently-modified tyrosines are found as cofactors in enzymes such as galactose oxidase and the copper-dependent amine oxidases. In these cases, cofactor formation has been proposed to occur via oxidation of a copper–tyrosine precursor, making electron transfer chemistry in copper-phenolates a key to cofactor biogenesis. Our work was motivated by a desire to understand the ET reactivity of simple metal coordinated phenolate model complexes. Copper and zinc complexes of phenolate ligands were prepared, and their electron and energy-transfer reactivity toward Ru ( R 2 bpy ) 3 2 + ∗ / 3 + studied to test the electron-transfer reactivity of metal-coordinated phenolates. M(salxn) (M = Cu2+, Zn2+; salxn = salen, N,N′-disalicylidene-1,2-ethylenediamine; salpen, N,N′-disalicylidene-1,3-propylenediamine; salben, N,N′-disalicylidene-1,4-butylenediamine; salophen, N,N′-disalicylidene-o-phenylenediamine) were synthesized along with the more easily oxidized complexes Cu(bppa) (Hbppa, bis-pyridyl phenolamine) and Cu(icoph) (H2icoph, bis-iminocatechol o-phenylenediamine). Zn(salophen) and Cu(salophen) were oxidized by Ru (bpy) 3 3 + , indicating that electron transfer was thermodynamically favorable. Cu(salxn) complexes were observed to be efficient energy-transfer quenchers of Ru (bpy) 3 2 + ∗ ; in contrast, Cu(bppa) and Cu(icoph) quenched Ru (bpy) 3 2 + ∗ by electron transfer, with observed reorganization energy λ = 22 kcal/mol. The large self-exchange reorganization energy calculated for the Cu-coordinated phenolates suggest that the CAO and GalOx cofactors may be poor 1e− redox centers, with very slow rates for cofactor biogenesis.