cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The association between religious affiliation and frequency of attendance at religious services on HIV risky behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS.

The purpose of this study was to examine if religious affiliation and frequency of attendance at religious services were associated with HIV risky behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The participants are HIV positive clients of a community based HIV/AIDS outreach facility (CBHAOF) located in Montgomery, Alabama, USA. The participants completed the questionnaire during their medical visits to the clinic at their own convenience and that of the facility’s staff. A total of 341 questionnaires were distributed to PLWHA and 326 (96%) were fully completed and returned. There were more male than female participants (56 versus 42%). The majority of the respondents (67%) were between 30 and 49 years of age. Nearly two thirds of the participants (64%) were African Americans whilst 36% were other races combined (White = 29%, Hispanic = 3% and other races = 4%). A chi-square test was used to examine the association between selected variables. Findings show substantial variations of selected HIV risky behaviors according to religious affiliation and frequency of attendance at religious services (p < 0.05). The study findings suggest the importance of religious affiliation and frequency of attendance at religious services in reducing HIV risky behaviors among PLWHA. The findings have implications for HIV/AIDS prevention and we recommend that it is important to incorporate Faith-based organizations in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Key words: Religious affiliation, attendance, religious services, HIV/AIDS risky behaviors, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
Luke-Acts and the Imperial Cult: A Way Through the Conundrum?:

This article points out the serious difficulties inherent in trying to relate Luke-Acts to the imperial cult. Having acknowledged such difficulties, the attempt is made nonetheless to relate concre...
PLACENTAL PRODUCTION OF LIPID PEROXIDES, THROMBOXANE, AND PROSTACYCLIN IN PREECLAMPSIA

Objective: The pathophysiology of preeclampsia includes an imbalance of increased thromboxane and decreased prostacyclin. Recently attention has been given to lipid peroxides because their levels are abnormally increased in the maternal circulation of women with preeclampsia. Since preeclampsia occurs in the presence of the placenta or placental tissue, we examined the hypothesis that the production of lipid peroxides is significantly higher in placentas obtained from women with preeclampsia than from women with normal pregnancies.Methods: Placentas were obtained from 6 normally pregnant women and 6 women with preeclampsia. Placental tissues (350 mg) were incubated in DMEM for 48 h. Samples were collected at 0, 2, 6, 16, 28, and 48 h of incubation.Main Outcome Measures: Samples were analyzed spectrophotometrically for lipid peroxides by a peroxide equivalent assay, and for thromboxane and prostacyclin by radioimmunoassays of their stable metabolites, thromboxane B2 and 6-keto PGF1α.Results: As compared to...
The composite thrips, Microcephalothrips abdominalis (Crawford).

It is often more convenient to call an insect hy its common name than by its scientific name. This doubtless is the case with Microcephalothrips abdominalis (Crawford). Watson (1923) first referred to this thrips as the “Compositae Thrips” and, in view of its decided preference for members of this plant family, it seems appropriate to adopt this common name.
Fractional derivative models for ultrasonic characterization of polymer and breast tissue viscoelasticity

The viscoelastic response of hydropolymers, which include glandular breast tissues, may be accurately characterized for some applications with as few as 3 rheological parameters by applying the Kelvin-Voigt fractional derivative (KVFD) modeling approach. We describe a technique for ultrasonic imaging of KVFD parameters in media undergoing unconfined, quasi-static, uniaxial compression. We analyze the KVFD parameter values in simulated and experimental echo data acquired from phantoms and show that the KVFD parameters may concisely characterize the viscoelastic properties of hydropolymers. We then interpret the KVFD parameter values for normal and cancerous breast tissues and hypothesize that this modeling approach may ultimately be applied to tumor differentiation.
Binding of HIV-1 gp41-directed neutralizing and non-neutralizing fragment antibody binding domain (Fab) and single chain variable fragment (ScFv) antibodies to the ectodomain of gp41 in the pre-hairpin and six-helix bundle conformations.

We previously reported a series of antibodies, in fragment antigen binding domain (Fab) formats, selected from a human non-immune phage library, directed against the internal trimeric coiled-coil of the N-heptad repeat (N-HR) of HIV-1 gp41. Broadly neutralizing antibodies from that series bind to both the fully exposed N-HR trimer, representing the pre-hairpin intermediate state of gp41, and to partially-exposed N-HR helices within the context of the gp41 six-helix bundle. While the affinities of the Fabs for pre-hairpin intermediate mimetics vary by only 2 to 20-fold between neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies, differences in inhibition of viral entry exceed three orders of magnitude. Here we compare the binding of neutralizing (8066) and non-neutralizing (8062) antibodies, differing in only four positions within the CDR-H2 binding loop, in Fab and single chain variable fragment (ScFv) formats, to several pre-hairpin intermediate and six-helix bundle constructs of gp41. Residues 56 and 58 of the mini-antibodies are shown to be crucial for neutralization activity. There is a large differential (≥150-fold) in binding affinity between neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies to the six-helix bundle of gp41 and binding to the six-helix bundle does not involve displacement of the outer C-terminal helices of the bundle. The binding stoichiometry is one six-helix bundle to one Fab or three ScFvs. We postulate that neutralization by the 8066 antibody is achieved by binding to a continuum of states along the fusion pathway from the pre-hairpin intermediate all the way to the formation of the six-helix bundle, but prior to irreversible fusion between viral and cellular membranes.
Cooperative multipath routing and relay based on noncoherent detection in wireless sensor networks

Due to the limited functionalities of sensors and the unreliable wireless environment, traditional routing and relay strategies proposed for mobile ad hoc networks are not directly applicable to wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we present a multipath searching scheme by using a power-based parallel routing method suitable for wireless sensor networks. This work constructs noncoherent unitary signals and transmits them through cooperative multipath routes in wireless sensor network. We analyze the network performance by Markov chain model. Analysis and simulation prove that the new approach can improve the network performance in terms of throughput, end-to-end delay, drop probability and go through delay.
An Appropriating Aesthetic: Reproducing Power in the Discourse of Critical Scholarship

Critical theory and cultural studies have articulated a substantial and vital challenge to the very foundations of traditional scholarship, which remains rigidly scientistic in its orientation. One outcome of this challenge is that claims of subjectivity on the part of the critic are accommodated. The stylistic dimensions of critical scholarship, however, also are noteworthy, and their political implications are perhaps no less significant. The aforementioned relative latitude in content has not been accompanied by a concurrent loosening of aesthetic mores. In this article engaging critical rhetoric as a case study, I argue that the aesthetic conventions of scholarship, as imposed upon the unique, ideologically overt character of critical scholarship, constrain and even undermine the critical project.
The Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Regulating Angiogenesis

The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression. Paracrine signaling between tumor cells and the nonneoplastic, genetically normal, cells that make up the microenvironment is a critical component influencing the progression of tumors from the in situ stage to metastatic disease. Despite the importance of these paracrine signaling mechanisms and factors, the vast majority of academic research and development in the pharmaceutical industry is still targeted toward mutations and aberrant signaling pathways within tumor cells. As a result, the intercellular signaling between tumor cells and the microenvironment has not been as extensively studied with regard to the regulation of angiogenesis. In this chapter we define the key players in the regulation of angiogenesis and examine how their expression is regulated in the microenvironment. The resulting analysis presents observations that at first glance may seem paradoxical. However, these nuances serve to underscore the complexity of interactions and the need to better delineate and define the environmental context underlying these mechanisms.
The influence of verbal training and visual feedback on manual wheelchair propulsion.

Purpose. To determine if verbal training with visual feedback improved manual wheelchair propulsion; to examine propulsion differences between an individual with paraplegia and an individual with tetraplegia.Method. Quasi-experimental study: Nine manual wheelchair-using adults participated in propulsion assessments and training. Baseline propulsion performance was measured on several tasks on different surfaces. Participants were trained on a wheelchair treadmill with verbal and visual feedback to increase push length, reduce push frequency and to modify propulsion pattern. Handrim biomechanics were measured with an instrumented wheel. Changes in propulsion were assessed. Differences in propulsion characteristics between a participant with paraplegia and a participant with tetraplegia were examined.Results. Push length increased (p < 0.05), push frequency decreased (p < 0.01) and peak (p < 0.05) and average (p < 0.01) forces increased immediately after training. These changes were not sustained over time....
Communicating Uncertainty in Official Economic Statistics: An Appraisal Fifty Years after Morgenstern

Federal statistical agencies in the United States and analogous agencies elsewhere commonly report official economic statistics as point estimates, without accompanying measures of error. Users of the statistics may incorrectly view them as error free or may incorrectly conjecture error magnitudes. This paper discusses strategies to mitigate misinterpretation of official statistics by communicating uncertainty to the public. Sampling error can be measured using established statistical principles. The challenge is to satisfactorily measure the various forms of nonsampling error. I find it useful to distinguish transitory statistical uncertainty, permanent statistical uncertainty, and conceptual uncertainty. I illustrate how each arises as the Bureau of Economic Analysis periodically revises GDP estimates, the Census Bureau generates household income statistics from surveys with nonresponse, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics seasonally adjusts employment statistics. I anchor my discussion of communication of uncertainty in the contribution of Oskar Morgenstern (1963a), who argued forcefully for agency publication of error estimates for official economic statistics.
Perron spectratopes and the real nonnegative inverse eigenvalue problem

Abstract Call an n-by-n invertible matrix S a Perron similarity if there is a real non-scalar diagonal matrix D such that S D S − 1 is entrywise nonnegative. We give two characterizations of Perron similarities and study the polyhedra C ( S ) : = { x ∈ R n : S D x S − 1 ≥ 0 , D x : = diag ( x ) } and P ( S ) : = { x ∈ C ( S ) : x 1 = 1 } , which we call the Perron spectracone and Perron spectratope, respectively. The set of all normalized real spectra of diagonalizable nonnegative matrices may be covered by Perron spectratopes, so that enumerating them is of interest. The Perron spectracone and spectratope of Hadamard matrices are of particular interest and tend to have large volume. For the canonical Hadamard matrix (as well as other matrices), the Perron spectratope coincides with the convex hull of its rows. In addition, we provide a constructive version of a result due to Fiedler [9, Theorem 2.4] for Hadamard orders, and a constructive version of the Boyle–Handelman theorem [2, Theorem 5.1] for Suleĭmanova spectra.
Modifiable risk factors for nursing home admission among individuals with high and low dementia risk

Abstract Background Strategies to prevent or delay nursing home admission in individuals with cognitive impairment are urgently needed. We hypothesized that physical inactivity, not consuming alcohol (as opposed to moderate alcohol use), and having a history of smoking predict nursing home admission among individuals with normal cognitive function, but these behavioral factors would have attenuated associations with nursing home admission among individuals with impaired cognition. Methods We performed a prospective cohort study among 7631 Health and Retirement Study participants aged 65+ at baseline. Baseline dementia risk (high versus low, based on brief psychometric assessments and proxy reports) and modifiable risk factors (physical inactivity, ever smoking, and not consuming alcohol) were used to predict nursing home admission in pooled logistic regression models. We evaluated whether estimated effects of modifiable factors varied by dementia risk, comparing both relative and absolute effects using interaction terms between dementia risk and each modifiable risk factor. Results Low dementia probability was associated with lower nursing home admission risk (RR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.59). Physical inactivity (RR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.41), ever smoking (RR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.25), and not consuming alcohol (RR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.45) predicted increased relative risk of nursing home admission regardless of cognitive status. The relative effects of modifiable risk factors were similar for those with low and high dementia risk. Conclusion Although cognitive impairment associated with incipient dementia strongly predicts nursing home admission, this risk can be partially ameliorated with modifiable risk factors such as physical activity.
Metabolism of isomers of linoleic and linolenic acids.

SummaryFrom these experiments it is apparent that trans isomers of the “essential” fatty acids are converted to inactive forms of polyunsaturated acids which are, however, detectable spectrophotometrically. Conversely, the detection of polyunsaturated acid in a tissue does not imply that these substances are biologically active. However, this factor is not likely to affect studies of animals fed natural diets.
Single Mothers, Delinquent Daughters, and the Juvenile Court in Early 20th Century Los Angeles

In response to the mother's concerns, the court prevented her teenage daughter, Elsie, from going to Texas by sending her to Juvenile Hall, the county detention center for delinquent and dependent youth. After a short period of confinement and a stern lecture, the judge permitted Elsie to return home, but placed her under the supervision of a probation officer to see that she obeyed her mother. The court dismissed the case one year later after a satisfactory report from Elsie's probation officer:
Human interleukin-3 receptor modulates bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels through protein kinase C in TF-1 cells.

Upon withdrawal of interleukin-3 (IL-3) from human factor-dependent erythroleukemic cell line TF-1, bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels decrease within 8 to 24 hours. Accompanying this decrease is the onset of apoptosis as determined by flow cytometric analysis of DNA degradation. By 8 to 18 hours of deprivation approximately 70% to 80% of the cells have entered apoptosis. Downregulation of protein kinase (PK) by a 24- hour incubation in 100 nmol/L 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in the presence of IL-3 dramatically reduced bcl-2 mRNA levels, and induced apoptosis in the presence of IL-3. We have also found that even in the presence of IL-3, two inhibitors of PKC, light-activated calphostin and H-7, substantially reduced the levels of bcl-2 mRNA between 8 and 24 hours as measured by a semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction assay method; however, the cyclic nucleotide-dependent PK inhibitor HA 1004, that is a structural analog of H-7 but a poor inhibitor of PKC, did not reduce bcl-2 levels in the presence of IL-3. This decrease in bcl-2 mRNA was accompanied by a decline in bcl-2 protein levels by 8 to 24 hours after addition of light-activated calphostin. In addition to interfering with the maintenance of bcl-2 mRNA levels, inhibition of PKC with H-7 inhibited the induction of bcl-2 mRNA in factor-deprived TF-1 cells restimulated with IL-3. The cyclic nucleotide-dependent PK inhibitor HA 1004 did not inhibit IL-3-induced bcl-2 mRNA. Studies with actinomycin D showed that transcription plays a major role in maintaining bcl-2 levels in TF-1 cells, and it is therefore likely that IL-3 plays a role in maintaining bcl-2 transcription through activation of PKC in these cells.
Bioavailability of heavy metals in sediments in Guilin

Though researchers have paid much attention to the heavy metal pollutants in sediments that have potential harm to eco- system, they have seldom researched on bioavailability of heavy metals in sediments. In order to provide some scientific data for judging biological toxicity and bioavailability caused by heavy metals in sediments in Guilin, China, for the first time, the authors sampled sediments in different water areas in Guilin, and determined AVS by P-Amino dimethyl aniline dihydro chloride photometry through a set of acidification-ventilation-absorption AVS reaction unit, determined copper, lead, zinc, cadmium and nickel with tomic absorption spectrophotometry, mercury and arsenium with atomic fluorescence, and cipangopaludina cathayensis was selected as the tested species for bioavailability experiment. After long-term bioassay with micro-ecosystem, the growth and reproduction of ci- pangopaludina cathayensis and the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in their body were analyzed. The results showed that when the molar ratio of [SEM]/[AVS] is more than 1, the concentration of heavy metals in interstitial water was higher than 3.000 0 μmol·L-1, so it cause biological toxicity to cipangopaludina cathayensis, both the death rate and the bioaccumulation of heavy metals increase with [SEM]/[AVS]; When [SEM]/[AVS] is less than 1, heavy metals have no obviously effect on cipangopaludina cathayensis; [SEM]/[AVS] can act as a criterion for judging the bioavailability of heavy metals in sediments. Our study supplied a gap of heavy metals data in Guilin, also provided a sort of convenient and accurate method for judging the degree of pollution caused by heavy metals. This study also revealed that Taohua River is the most severely contaminated river; Qingshitan Reservoir has the slightest pollution, and Lijiang River falls between them.
Image Recognition of Ice Thickness on Transmission Lines Using Remote System

Icing on overhead transmission lines is one of the important factors harming the normal operation of the power system,so a more reliable icing monitoring method is urgently needed.Consequently,using computer graphics,image filtering,transform adaptive threshold value method and edge detection techniques based on the LoG operator,we put forward a method of measuring ice thickness images on the basis of a remote on-line system.Results indicate that,when ice thickness of one point of the line is measured,the accuracy is proportional to the resolution of the picture from the remote on-line terminal.The measured accuracy can be increased by using high-resolution images,and also accurately observed ice conditions of transmission lines.Compared with the mechanics-based calculation model of ice thickness,ice thickness of one point can be directly measured,and the new method has practical significance to prevent ice flashover by measuring the ice thickness of the insulator.
Present Situation of Human Resources of the Basic Public Health Service in Medical Institutions at Grassroots

Objective: To learn about the present situation of human resources of the basic public health service in medical institutions at grassroots and provide countermeasures and suggestions for equalization of the basic public health service. Method: Unified Questionnaires for the Present Working Situation of the Basic Public Health Service Items w ere made to investigate the human resources of the basic public health service in tow nship medical clinics. Result: The number of the personnel in tow nship medical clinics accounts for 25. 89% of medical w orkers; the numbers of full-time and parttime staff of public health service account for 95. 71% and 4. 29% respectively; the numbers of on-the-job medical w orkers and the ones by contracts and appointments account for 38. 95% and 61. 05% respectively; the ratio of medical w orkers and nurses is 1: 0. 09; the numbers of medical w orkers w ith title of a senior,professional post,medium-grade professional title,junior title,assistant doctors,and non-title w orkers account for 0. 31%,20. 86%,32. 52%,22. 39% and 23. 92% w ith the most having educational backgrounds of junior college and secondary technical school accounting for 41. 41% and44. 17% respectively,majoring in clinical medicine and nursing; and the years of w orking of the 36. 81%,44. 78% and48. 77% w orkers are longer than 3 years. Conclusion: The distributions of health clinics and medical workers meet the basic requirements of national indicators but there is still the disadvantage in human resources of the basic public health service.
Multiple Digital Watermarking Embedding Technology Robustness Simulation

Research the copyright protection for digital image watermarking embedding technology.This paper put forward a multiple digital watermark technology based on DCT transform.The digital watermark image was partitioned into blocks,and the DCT transform was used to obtain multiple frequency blocks.According to the coefficient of frequency blocks,of the frequency characteristics were selected and fused with DWT transformation,then the inverse DWT transform was used to get a single digital watermarking,thus complete multiple digital watermarking embedding.Simulation experiments show that the method can ensure watermark resistant to attackd with high robustness,and achieves satisfactory results.
Value of “Hobble Creek” Mountain Big Sagebrush as a Winter Forage for Mule Deer

This study describes the development, naming, and release of a superior selection of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) for use on mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) winter ranges. Of the 186 big sagebrush selections tested, “Hobble Creek” was the most preferred by wintering mule deer. It was also preferred over an unknown selection of antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata). The winter digestibility, crude protein, and phosphorus content of “Hobble Creek” forage ranks high compared with deciduous shrub species such as antelope bitterbrush, fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), and true mountain-mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus). Also, “Hobble Creek” forage exceeds dormant grasses in winter digestibility, crude protein, and phosphorus content. “Hobble Creek” does not contain substances that lower grass cell wall digestion. “Hobble Creek” can be established and maintained on sites that have deep, well- drained soils with an annual precipitation of at least 35 cm (preferably more). Soil textures should not be any finer than a clay loam (40% clay or less). Soil pH may vary from 6.6 to 8.6. “Hobble Creek” can be established by direct seeding, by transplanting bareroot or containerized stock, and by a technique we term “mother plant.” Hobble Creek big sagebrush is a highly preferred winter forage that can raise the nutrient level of mule deer diets.
Dreaming: Experimental Investigation of Representational and Adaptive Properties

This chapter organizes into three sections diverse strategies for the empirical investigation of dreaming. The first is addressed to the question of how the dream becomes known to the individual and the investigator though the process of recall. The second deals with the assumption that dreaming reflects or represents in an explicable fashion factors such as personality traits, interpersonal events, and physiological activity. The third discusses two hypotheses: (1) that dreaming is a psychological process which can be studied apart from the neurophysiological process of sleep and (2) that dreaming is a functional process, specifically that dreaming is adaptive. For purposes of discussion, dreaming refers to a psychological process (analogous to thinking) presumably inherent in the neurophysiological activity of the sleeping nervous system. Dream or dream experience refers to conscious awareness of dreaming while it is occurring. The dream report refers to the communication about a dream.
Optimized Echo Decorrelation Imaging Feedback for Bulk Ultrasound Ablation Control

Feasibility of controlling bulk ultrasound (US) thermal ablation using echo decorrelation imaging was investigated in ex vivo bovine liver. The first of two ablation and control procedures used a sequence of constant-intensity sonication cycles, ceased when the minimum echo decorrelation within a control region of interest (ROI) exceeded a predetermined threshold. The second procedure used a variable-intensity sonication sequence, with spatially averaged decorrelation as the stopping criterion. US exposures and echo decorrelation imaging were performed by a linear image-ablate array. Based on preliminary experiments, control ROIs and thresholds for the minimum-decorrelation and average-decorrelation criteria were specified. Controlled trials for the minimum-decorrelation and average-decorrelation criteria were compared with uncontrolled trials employing 9 or 18 cycles of matching sonication sequences. Lesion dimensions, treatment times, ablation rates, and areas under receiver operating characteristic curves were statistically compared. Successfully controlled trials using both criteria required significantly shorter treatment times than corresponding 18-cycle treatments, with better ablation prediction performance than uncontrolled 9-cycle and 18-cycle treatments. Either control approach resulted in greater ablation rate than corresponding 9-cycle or 18-cycle uncontrolled approaches. A post hoc analysis studied the effect of exchanging control criteria between the two series of controlled experiments. For either group, the average time needed to exceed the alternative decorrelation threshold approximately matched the average duration of successfully controlled experimental trials. These results indicate that either approach, using minimum-decorrelation or average-decorrelation criteria, is feasible for control of bulk US ablation. In addition, use of a variable-intensity sonication sequence for bulk US thermal ablation can result in larger ablated regions compared to constant-intensity sonication sequences.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by latanoprost ophthalmic solution.

PURPOSE Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2 alfa analog that lowers intraocular pressure by increasing uveoscleral outflow. Herein we describe two cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to latanoprost. METHODS A 69-year-old man with open-angle glaucoma developed erythematous erosive swelling of bilateral eyelids after 4 months of latanoprost therapy. An 84-year-old man with open-angle glaucoma had pruritic erythematous plaques on the bilateral lower eyelids after latanoprost therapy for 4 months. RESULTS In both cases, latanoprost was discontinued and the condition gradually resolved in 1 month. The eyelid lesions recurred in days upon latanoprost rechallenge, but subsided after cessation of rechallenge. CONCLUSIONS ACD should be suspected if patients on latanoprost therapy have pruritus, erythema, swelling, or erosions on the eyelids even when the symptoms appear after several months of therapy, especially in the elderly.
Pressure and protein denaturation.

Kinetic analyses have indicated that moderate hydrostatic pressures, up to some 700 atmospheres, oppose reversible and irreversible denaturations of certain enzyme systems, apparent at temperatures above the normal optimum of the enzyme reaction, as well as at lower temperatures in the presence of denaturants such as alcohol (1-4). Qualitative observations have shown that such pressures also retard the precipitation of highly purified human serum globulin and egg albumin at 65° (5) and slow the destruction of specific antitoxic activity at the same temperature (6). In this study we have obtained quantitative data with regard to the influence of various pressures, up to 10,000 pounds per sq. in., and of low concentrations of ethyl alcohol on the time course of precipitation of human serum globulin (1) at 65° and pH 6.0.
Sexual Harassment in Academia: Feminist Theory and Institutional Practice.

In recent years many colleges have responded to the problem of sexual harassment of students and workers in various ways that do not address certain structural conditions underlying the problem. Frances Hoffmann provides a feminist critique of the problem of sexual harassment and of the institutional responses to it. She also offers guidelines for formulating policies and procedures that make clear connections between sexual harassment and social/cultural conditions and that empower victims and potential victims.
Complexities of Dynamic Forest Management Policies

The complications for forest management policies are considered in light of nonlinearities in the ecological-economic dynamics of forests. Such nonlinearities imply the existence of multiple solutions in forestry management problems specified fully for all dynamic patterns of amenities. Such nonlinearities imply the possibilities of discontinuities and critical thresholds in such systems. Specific policy problems considered include fire management, pest management, and size of cuts.
Fatigue Crack Growth in Aircraft Main Landing Gear Wheels

Fracture analysis of aircraft landing gear wheels under service-simulated operating loads using various fatigue crack growth characterization techniques is presented. Baseline constants for the wheel forging alloy 2014-T6aluminum are established. The stress-intensity factors for a two-dimensional surface crack are developed using a proposed load model for the wheel's flange/bead seat radius. Crack growth predictions are performed using a modified crack growth (CRKGRO) program under spectrum load blocks. New stress-intensity factor subroutines for combined loads are added to the program library. The analytic results are compared with measured crack growth data during full-scale structural tests. Good agreement between analytic and structural test results was obtained, and a damage characteristic curve for the wheel flange is proposed. Qualitatively, fracture surface observations supported proposed crack-tip load models, state of stress, and crack growth data.
Effects of Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Hunting Seasonality and Red Colobus (Piliocolobus badius) Association on Diana Monkeys (Cercopithecus diana) in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire

Polyspecific associations occur when species overlap in their environment by chance, converge at common resources, or in response to predation pressure. However, because larger groups may themselves attract the attention of predators, species forming associations must balance the costs and benefits of comingling. Experimental and observational research suggests red colobus (Piliocolobus badius) associate with Diana monkeys (Cercopithecus diana) in Tai National Park, Cote d’Ivoire in response to seasonally shifting predation pressure from chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus). Research on this system has focused on immediate behavioral effects of comingling by red colobus and Diana monkeys. We expand on these analyses and explore longer-term changes in Diana monkey behavior. We use scan samples (N = 7025) collected on three Diana monkey groups over 5 years (N = 380 days) to assess differences in diet, activity budget, and strata use in relation to associating with red colobus and chimpanzee hunting seasonality and test for interaction effects between these two variables. We found limited evidence showing Diana monkeys make more than ephemeral behavioral changes in response to comingling with red colobus during chimpanzees’ hunting season (September–November). Synergistic effects of association and hunting season include expanded use of the main canopy, decreased fruit consumption, and increased invertebrate consumption. We find little evidence indicating Diana monkeys minimize behaviors that increase risk of predation from chimpanzees while associated with red colobus during the season when chimpanzees hunt most often. We conclude that when there are few member costs to forming mixed groups, participating species may tolerate associations even without accruing any benefits.
Immune response in malignant ascites from a melanoma patient treated with anti-CTLA-4 mAb

708 Generating an efficient T cell anti-tumor response resulting in clearance of tumor is the goal of immunotherapy strategies. For this to occur, tumor antigen-specific T cells need to become activated, traffic to the tumor site, recognize the tumor, and perform their effector function. We have studied an unusual patient with metastatic melanoma who developed large volume ascites after anti-CTLA-4 antibody therapy. By cytologic analysis and real-time RT-PCR for melanoma antigens, it was clear that the ascites contained tumor cells. In addition, large numbers of lymphocytes were present in the fluid, which by flow cytometric analysis were predominantly T cells and NK cells. A substantially greater percentage of activated T cells was present in the ascites compared to peripheral blood, and these cells produced high levels of effector cytokines after short-term activation with PMA + ionomycin in vitro. Peptide/HLA-A2 tetramer staining revealed significant numbers of CD8+ T cells specific for peptides derived from melanoma antigens Melan-A and NA17-A, but also from EBV, arguing that activated T cells regardless of specificity were preferentially recruited into the peritoneal space. Upon in vitro restimulation of ascites cells with Melan-A, NA17-A and EBV peptides, only EBV peptide resulted in IFN-γ production as measured by ELISpot. The discrepancy between tetramer staining and ELISpot data might suggest induction of a hyporesponsive state among the tumor antigen-specific T cells in the patient. To infer the mechanism of vast lymphocyte recruitment into the ascites, a cytokine protein array that detects 79 independent factors was utilized. Multiple chemokines were detected, including IP-10, MIP-1β, MCP-1, IL-8, CCL18, and eotaxin-2. Of note, no T cell-specific cytokines were detected, and IL-10 was present. Our results suggest that malignant melanoma cells in the peritoneum of this patient established an environment rich in chemokines that recruited large number of lymphocytes yet failed to support productive activation of anti-tumor T cells.
Plasma Cells Are Obligate Effectors of Enhanced Myelopoiesis in Aging Bone Marrow

Aging results in increased myelopoiesis, which is linked to the increased incidence of myeloid leukemias and production of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Here, we examined the contribution of plasma cells (PCs) to age-related increases in myelopoiesis, as PCs exhibit immune regulatory function and sequester in bone marrow (BM). PC number was increased in old BM, and they exhibited high expression of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines and pathogen sensors. Antibody-mediated depletion of PCs from old mice reduced the number of myeloid-biased hematopoietic stem cells and mature myeloid cells to levels in young animals, but lymphopoiesis was not rejuvenated, indicating that redundant mechanisms inhibit that process. PCs also regulated the production of inflammatory factors from BM stromal cells, and disruption of the PC-stromal cell circuitry with inhibitors of the cytokines IL-1 and TNF-α attenuated myelopoiesis in old mice. Thus, the age-related increase in myelopoiesis is driven by an inflammatory network orchestrated by PCs.
The Great Story Theodicy

Rasmussen develops a story theodicy, which serves as a tool for investigating the problems of evil. To illustrate the tool, Rasmussen describes scenes of what he calls “the Great Story.” In the Great Story, all events flow along lines of purpose and goodness. In one scene, Rasmussen points to the value of including kingly creatures, who add suspense, and who have some freedom from the foundational character. Here, Rasmussen seeks to show how this scene fits with Leon’s analysis of the free will defense. Rasmussen then turns to Leon’s cumulative case from evil, which brings to light some of the most perplexing of the events. Rasmussen suggests why even such events could actually make the most sense in light of a great, unfolding story.
Anisotropic ${\rm MnBi/Sm}_{2}{\rm Fe}_{17}{\rm N}_{\rm x}$ Hybrid Magnets Fabricated by Hot Compaction

MnBi/Sm2Fe17Nx bulk anisotropic hybrid magnets have been fabricated employing hot compaction of mechanically milled powders. The effects of Sm2Fe17Nx content on the magnetic properties, density and texture of the hybrid magnets were investigated. With increasing Sm2Fe17Nx content, the density of hybrid magnets decreases, their coercivity (Hc) remains nearly constant, while the remanence (Mr) increases drastically. The MnBi/40% Sm2Fe17Nx magnet displays an Hc value of 5.7 kOe with Mr of 69 emu/g; these values for pure MnBi magnet are 6.5 kOe and 45 emu/g. An energy product [(BH)max] of 7 MGOe was obtained in the hybrid magnet with 40% Sm2Fe17Nx, which is 20% higher than that of single phase MnBi magnet [5.8 MGOe].
Transportation Cost, Fuel Subsidies, and Commodity Prices

Despite being at the forefront of the global policy agenda, fuel subsidy reform is understudied and its impact on trade is not particularly well understood. This type of reform could have a huge impact on market performance by increasing transportation costs. I present a case study from Ethiopia, which removed its fuel subsidies and increased the price of diesel price by 39% overnight on 4 October 2008. What is the impact of such an increase in diesel price on transportation costs and hence grain prices in developing countries such as Ethiopia? I use spatial difference-in-difference (sDID) on distance from major markets to assess the effects of removing the fuel subsidy on grain price dispersion. The sDID leverages distance from the national capital to investigate the impact of fuel subsidy reform on markets located at different distances from consumer centers. The results indicate that remote markets experienced high price dispersion compared to markets near the capital.
Peer coach delivered storytelling program for diabetes medication adherence: Intervention development and process outcomes

Introduction Diabetes medications can substantially lower blood sugar, thereby improving health outcomes. Despite substantial efforts targeting this issue, diabetes medication adherence remains suboptimal. We present the development and implementation of an intervention emphasizing peer modeling and support as strategies to improve medication adherence. Methods Program adaptation, pretesting, and peer coach training were combined in an iterative process with community stakeholders. Peer coaches were community residents who had diabetes or took care of family members with diabetes. Study participants were community-dwelling adults taking diabetes oral medications who reported medication non-adherence or wanted help taking their medications. Results The resulting intervention consisted of a six-month, 11-session telephone-delivered program. Nineteen peer coaches were trained and certified to deliver the intervention. The 473 study participants were mostly African-Americans (91%), women (79%), and low-income (70% reporting annual income <$20,000). Of the 203 intervention participants, 85% completed the program, with 82% completing all program sessions. Ninety-five percent reported high program satisfaction, and 91% found the program materials helpful, 96% found the videos helpful, 93% felt their peer was easy to talk with, and 95% reported that support from their peer was great or good. Moreover, 93% reported peers knew the program well, and 93% would recommend a peer to a relative with a similar health condition. Discussion This intervention was developed and implemented in underserved communities with high retention and fidelity. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the program. Our approach may be helpful for others seeking to develop a medication adherence program in their communities.
Degree of N-Methylation of Nucleosides and Metabolites Controls Binding Affinity to Pristine Silica Surfaces

Biological molecules interact with silica (SiO2) surfaces with binding affinities that greatly vary depending on their physical-chemical properties. However, the quantitative characterization of biological compounds adsorbed on silica surfaces, especially of compounds involved in fast, reversible interactions, has been challenging, and the driving forces are not well understood. Here, we show how carbon-13 NMR spin relaxation provides quantitative atomic-detail information about the transient molecular binding to pristine silica surfaces, represented by colloidally dispersed silica nanoparticles (SNPs). Based on the quantitative analysis of almost two dozen biological molecules, we find that the addition of N-methyl motifs systematically increases molecular binding affinities to silica in a nearly quantitatively predictable manner. Among the studied compounds are methylated nucleosides, which are common in epigenetic signaling in nucleic acids. The quantitative understanding of N-methylation may open up new ways to detect and separate methylated nucleic acids or even regulate their cellular functions.
ROS-Based Robot Simulation for Repetitive Labor-Intensive Construction Tasks

Utilizing autonomous robots to perform repetitive and labor-intensive tasks in the construction industry is one of the most promising directions to explore in order to enhance productivity, safety/health, and quality of construction projects. Such robots must have construction-related knowledge and skills in order to generate task plans capable of dealing with the unique and highly dynamic work environment of typical construction sites. However, autonomous and flexible behavior is currently impossible due to the lack of a robotics-compatible construction knowledge base. To overcome this bottleneck, this study proposes the establishment and utilization of such a construction knowledge base for use in generating autonomous behavior in robots. Specifically, this study provides an implementation of a small, mobile, autonomous robotics platform capable of performing fine-grained construction tasks in dynamic environments. Such tasks include painting, drilling screws, and transporting material and equipment. The platform is tested with a simulated robot based on the KUKA youBot tasked with painting walls in a room containing obstacles. In the simulation results, the proposed approach shows promise in being able to achieve autonomous operation of construction robots. Further development of this study will include implementing a more diverse set of skills, expanding the construction knowledge base, and tailoring localization, navigation planning, and task planning algorithms for the characteristics of the construction sites and the hardware tools used.
Seeking Just Us: A Mixed Methods Investigation of Racism-Specific Support Among Black College Students:

Social support is theorized to protect health against the negative effects of stress. However, findings are mixed regarding whether social support protects Black people’s psychological well-being a...
A modified ninhydrin reagent for the photometric determination of amino acids and related compounds

A modified ninhydrin reagent for the photometric determination of amino acids and related compounds , A modified ninhydrin reagent for the photometric determination of amino acids and related compounds , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی
Carboxamidomethylation and inactivation of rabbit muscle phosphoglucose isomerase.

Abstract The reaction of rabbit muscle phosphoglucose isomerase with iodoacetamide was studied at both pH 5.8 and 8.55 by monitoring loss of enzymatic activity and the rate of modification of affected amino acid residues. The inactivation process was found to be of apparent first order with respect to both enzyme and iodoacetamide, at least until 90% of the original activity was lost. The inactivation was accompanied by carboxamidomethylation of histidine, cysteine, and methionine at both pH 5.8 and 8.55 and of lysine at pH 8.55 only. Substrate or the competitive inhibitor 6-phosphogluconate protected against inactivation and alkylation at either pH. At pH 5.8, 6-phosphogluconate completely prevented loss of enzymatic activity, as well as alkylation of any histidine, whereas at pH 8.55, substrate was found to afford better protection than the straight chain competitive inhibitor. The data are in agreement with the previously proposed mechanism involving the sequential action of both a lysine and a histidine residue in phosphoglucose isomerase catalysis.
Puzzle-based versus traditional lecture: comparing the effects of pedagogy on academic performance in an undergraduate human anatomy and physiology II lab

A traditional lecture-based pedagogy conveys information and content while lacking sufficient development of critical thinking skills and problem solving. A puzzle-based pedagogy creates a broader contextual framework, and fosters critical thinking as well as logical reasoning skills that can then be used to improve a student’s performance on content specific assessments. This paper describes a pedagogical comparison of traditional lecture-based teaching and puzzle-based teaching in a Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab. Using a single subject/cross-over design half of the students from seven sections of the course were taught using one type of pedagogy for the first half of the semester, and then taught with a different pedagogy for the second half of the semester. The other half of the students were taught the same material but with the order of the pedagogies reversed. Students’ performance on quizzes and exams specific to the course, and in-class assignments specific to this study were assessed for: learning outcomes (the ability to form the correct conclusion or recall specific information), and authentic academic performance as described by (Am J Educ 104:280–312, 1996). Our findings suggest a significant improvement in students’ performance on standard course specific assessments using a puzzle-based pedagogy versus a traditional lecture-based teaching style. Quiz and test scores for students improved by 2.1 and 0.4 % respectively in the puzzle-based pedagogy, versus the traditional lecture-based teaching. Additionally, the assessments of authentic academic performance may only effectively measure a broader conceptual understanding in a limited set of contexts, and not in the context of a Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab. In conclusion, a puzzle-based pedagogy, when compared to traditional lecture-based teaching, can effectively enhance the performance of students on standard course specific assessments, even when the assessments only test a limited conceptual understanding of the material.