cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous electronic recording of video and digital information on the video channel of a VTR or VCR

A technique is described that permits precise synchronization of video recorded behavior with discrete stimuli and responses. These discrete events are recorded as digital data on the video channel of a video recorder on a horizontal line that lies above the visible video information. These data may be observed in single-frame playback mode by underscanning the playback monitor. A circuit is described for computerized decoding of the digital data. Because each video field is uniquely coded, an updating of the data is possible 60 times each second. The described technique has several advantages over current approaches for synchronizing discrete stimulus and response events with video recorded behavior.
Sovereign Wealth Funds and Financial Stability - An Event Study Analysis

This paper examines financial stability issues that arise from the increased presence of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) in global financial markets by assessing whether and how stock markets react to the announcements of investments and divestments to firms by SWFs using an event study approach. Based on 166 publicly traceable events collected on investments and divestments by major SWFs during the period from 1990 to 2009, the paper evaluates the short-term financial impact of SWFs on selected public equity markets in which they invest. The impact is analyzed on different sectors (financial and nonfinancial), actions (buy and sell), market types (developed and emerging markets), and level of corporate governance (high and low score). Results, based on these 166 events, show that there was no significant destabilizing effect of SWFs on equity markets, which is consistent with anecdotal evidence.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyether Adducts of Barium and Strontium Carboxylates and Their Use in the Formation of MTiO3 Films

The synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of new polyether adducts of strontium and barium carboxylates of general composition M(O2CCF3)n(L) (M = Ba, L = 15-crown-5, (1); M = Ba (2), Sr (3), respectively, with L = tetraglyme are reported. The compounds were synthesized by reaction of BaCO3 or MH2 (M = Sr or Ba) with organic acids in the presence of the polyether ligands. These compounds have been characterized by IR and 13C and 1H NMR spectroscopies, elemental analyses, and thermogravimetric analysis. The species Ba2(O2CCF3)4(15-crown-5)2 (1) and [Ba2(O2CCF3)4(tetraglyme)]∞ (2), were also characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Ba2(O2CCF3)4(15-crown-5)2 (1) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cccm with cell dimensions of a = 13.949(1) A, b = 19.376(2) A, c = 16.029(1) A, and Z = 8. [Ba2(O2CCF3)4(tetraglyme)]∞ (2) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with cell dimensions of a = 12.8673(12) A, b = 16.6981(13) A, c = 15.1191(12) A, β = 99.049(8)°, and Z = 4. Compounds 1−3...
Interview with Professor Kenneth Keegstra

Professor Ken Keegstra studied chemistry at Hope College (Holland, MI, USA), later receiving his doctoral degree in biochemistry from the University of Colorado (Boulder, CO, USA). After faculty positions at the State University of New York (Stony Brook, NY, USA) and University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI, USA) he is now a University Distinguished Professor at the Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI, USA), and Scientific Director of the Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (Madison, WI, USA). He has received several honors, including the 2006 Stephen Hales Prize from ASPB, 2006 AAAS Fellow and the 2007 ASPB Fellow. As a distinguished expert in the functioning of plants, Professor Keegstra speaks to Ruth Williamson, Commissioning Editor of Biofuels, about the importance of plant biology in improving processing and sustainability traits of biofuel feedstocks, our understanding of lignin modification, and important future directions ...
Effects of intense noise exposure on the outer hair cell plasma membrane fluidity.

Abstract Outer hair cells (OHCs) play an important role in cochlear amplification via their length changes (electromotility). A noise-induced cochlear amplification loss leading to a permanent threshold shift (PTS) was observed without a significant hair cell loss in rats [Chen, G.D., Liu, Y., 2005. Mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss potentiation by hypoxia. Hear. Res. 200, 1–9.]. Since motor proteins are inserted in the OHC lateral membrane, any change in the OHC plasma membrane may result in a loss of OHC electromotility, leading to a loss of cochlear amplification. In this study, the lateral diffusion in the OHC plasma membrane was determined in vitro in guinea pigs by fluorescent recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) after an in vivo noise exposure. The lateral diffusion in the OHC plasma membrane demonstrated a length-dependence, which increased as OHC length increased. A reduction in the lateral diffusion was observed in those OHCs with lengths of 50–70 μm after exposure to an 8-kHz octave band noise at 110 dB SPL for 3 h. This membrane fluidity change was associated with the selective PTS at frequencies around 8 kHz. The reduction of the lateral diffusion in the OHC lateral wall indicated that noise could impair the micromechanics of the OHC lateral wall and might consequently impair OHC electromotility to induce threshold shift.
Non-melanoma skin cancers: Photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, diclofenac, or what? Facts and controversies

Surgical modalities-excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, and electrodesiccation with curettage-are the preferred treatments for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). When used within guidelines, they have cure rates greater than 90%. Despite this, many other treatments have been studied and utilized for NMSC. We present a comprehensive review of the literature on these topical treatments. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is administered under numerous and significantly varied regimens, and there are a wide range of cure rates reported. Even with aggressive regimens, PDT is not as effective as surgery is, and it is not a first-line therapy for NMSC. The cryotherapy regimen aggressive enough to adequately treat NMSC carries adverse effects and cosmetic outcomes poor enough to negate its usefulness. Topical 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod are efficacious and safe for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) but not other BCC subtypes or squamous cell carcinoma. They are self-administered twice daily for several weeks; therefore, patient and tumor selection are vital to ensuring adherence. There are currently insufficient data to support the use of topical diclofenac and ingenol mebutate for NMSC.
Cre recombinase-dependent expression of a constitutively active mutant allele of the catalytic subunit of Protein Kinase A

Using the cre-loxP recombination system, we generated a line of mice expressing a constitutively active catalytic subunit of Protein Kinase A (PKA) in a temporally and spatially regulated fashion. In the absence of cre recombinase the modified catalytic subunit allele is functionally silent, but after recombination the mutant allele is expressed, resulting in enhanced PKA effects at basal cAMP levels. Mice expressing the modified protein in hepatocytes using albumin-cre transgenics show defects in glucose homeostasis, glycogen storage, fructose 2,6-bisphosphate levels, and induction of glucokinase mRNA during feeding. Similar to animals lacking glucokinase in the liver (Postic et al.: J Biol Chem 274:305-315, 1999), these mice also have defects in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, a hallmark of Type II diabetes. The widespread expression of PKA and the involvement of this kinase in a myriad of signaling pathways suggest that these animals will provide critical tools for the study of PKA function in vivo.
Possible black hole in Beta Lyrae.

β LYRAE is one of the most controversial and puzzling of binary systems1. The central issue concerns the absolute masses of the two components. The one-spectrum radial-velocity curve does not reveal what those masses are, but any pair of masses satisfying its mass function make the system remarkable. Table 1 gives pairs of masses which satisfy the observed 8.5 M⊙ mass function2. Here q=MBRT/MFNT and the entries in the table are the minimum masses allowable—that is, the orbital inclination angle is assumed to be 90°. Early investigators, faced with the absence of the secondary component in the spectrograms at all phases, assumed that the components of the system obey a mass-luminosity law and favoured a mass ratio considerably larger than unity. This, however, results in very large masses, especially for the B8 primary. Three arguments have since been put forward which make the choice q > 1 dubious. First, Sahade3 has called attention to the behaviour of the unusual emission features present in the spectrograms, noting that, should they be associated with the secondary star, a value for the mass ratio considerably less than unity results. Second, a similar small value comes from a distance determination by Abt4, which was based on β Lyrae's co-motion with few stars. As these were found to be ordinary main sequence objects, the absolute magnitude of β Lyrae was determined to be Mv=−3.4, which agrees with the spectroscopic luminosity class. So modest a luminosity can hardly be associated with such a massive primary component as indicated for q > 1. Finally, Woolf5 has used Abt's distance in combination with an assumed brightness temperature to find the absolute area of the primary star and thus its absolute “radius”. Further, assuming that β Lyrae A fills its Roche lobe, this “radius” is compared to the observed value of a1 sin i to obtain the mass ratio of the system, again giving q<1.
The Information Artifact in IT Governance: Toward a Theory of Information Governance

In recent years, chief information officers have begun to report exponential increases in the amounts of raw data captured and retained across the organization. Managing extreme amounts of data can be complex and challenging at a time when information is increasingly viewed as a strategic resource. Since the dominant focus of the information technology (IT) governance literature has been on how firms govern physical IT artifacts (hardware, software, networks), the goal of this study is to extend the theory of IT governance by uncovering the structures and practices used to govern information artifacts. Through detailed interviews with 37 executives in 30 organizations across 17 industries, we discover a range of structural, procedural, and relational practices used to govern information within a nomological net that includes the antecedents of these practices and their effects on firm performance. While some antecedents enable the speedy adoption of information governance, others can delay or limit the ad...
Singing performance, frequency matching and courtship success of long-tailed manakins (Chiroxiphia linearis)

We examined the relationship between song performance and courtship success in the lek-mating long-tailed manakin (Chiroxiphia linearis) of Costa Rica. Teams of male manakins form cooperative partnerships consisting of a dominant alpha male and a beta male partner with a variable number of subordinate affiliates. Each alpha and beta partnership performs a joint song virtually in unison, which attracts females to their lek arena. We quantified four aspects of song performance, including synchrony, degree of consistency in the alpha male's singing, degree of consistency in the beta male's singing, and degree of sound frequency matching between partners. When all four variables were included in a discriminant function analysis, average frequency matching alone was useful in discriminating between teams with high rates of visitation by females and those with low visitation rates. Only frequency matching was correlated with the rate at which females visited display lek arenas. We propose that the degree of frequency matching provides an unambiguous ideal against which dual-male courtship performance can be assessed. This aspect of song performance may provide information useful to females in assesing a potential mate's ability to form a cooperative long-term partnership.
Ethical considerations of industry-sponsored research: the use of human subjects.

This paper reviews the history and character of these research requirements, with special emphasis on questions concerning the role of industry in sponsored research. This discussion is becoming more vigorous with each passing year as private investment in research assumes greater importance in the scientific enterprise. I concentrate on issues of industry-supported human use that are on the “cutting edge” of contemporary biomedical ethics. Of special interest are questions about the disclosure of financial arrangements between industry and investigators, such as the nature and amount of capitated remuneration.
Using remotely sensed thermal infrared multispectral data and thermal modeling to estimate lava tube roof thickness at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) data are processed to yield surface temperatures over the lava tube system of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. TIMS is a 6-band airborne longwave infrared (8 μm to 12 μm) multispectral imaging system built and operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The data analyzed were collected in 1988 and are part of the Compiled Volcanology Data Set collection of Glaze et al., (1992). The primary goal of the analyses is to utilize the TIMS-derived surface temperatures to estimate lava tube roof thickness (LTRT). There is a paucity of studies that have utilized remotely-sensed imaging spectrometry data to estimate LTRT - a component important to understanding (and modeling) the thermal field of lava tube systems. Lava tube systems, in turn, are important to the emplacement of areally extensive lava flows on earth and on other planets. An in-scene atmospheric compensation method was applied to the data followed by a normalized emissivity method temperature/emissivity separation algorithm to obtain surface temperature. Surface temperature measurements are then compared to modeled temperatures in order to estimate lava tube roof thickness. Modeled temperatures are calculated via finite element analysis. Boundary conditions of the finite element models are derived from analyses of the TIMS data, independent knowledge of lava liquidus and solidus temperatures, and crustal heat-flow geophysical data. A TIMS plus modeling-derived LTRT agrees with estimates based on field observations. The TIMS data are described as are all processing and analysis methods. The thermal modeling is also described as is an effort to build a lookup table for LTRTs to be used in conjunction with surface temperature measurements. Archived data such as those exploited here provide a historical context particularly for terranes which may undergo relatively rapid change - such as the lava flow fields of Kilauea Volcano.
KMA-Greenfield filter placement for chronic pulmonary hypertension

Over a period of four years, 23 patients had the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary hypertension made on the basis of elevated resting pulmonary arterial pressures above 30 mmHg mean. Clinical features included dyspnea (100%), previous thromboembolism (43%), congestive failure (39%), venous thrombosis (35%), syncope (30%), lung disease (22%), recent trauma (22%), hemoptysis (17%) and precordial pain (17%). Pulmonary angiograms showed embolic occlusion in all but four patients, who were considered to have primary pulmonary hypertension. KimRay-Greenfield((R)) vena caval filters were inserted in 18 patients. Three of them were in refractory shock at the time, and only the one who had successful intraluminal catheter embolectomy survived. These patients have been followed an average of 23 months with two embolic deaths, one from the right atrium and one bypassing a filter misplaced in the right iliac vein (overall mortality 22%). There has been no other known recurrent embolism, but one patient developed hematuria from the filter. The five patients who did not receive a filter have all died after intervals up to 18 months. Recurrent thromboembolism was documented in three and suspected in one patient with known embolic disease who died suddenly. Regardless of etiologic factors, pulmonary hypertension with cor pulmonale is associated with a high incidence of fatal thromboembolism. In our experience, maximal protection is afforded by long-term anticoagulation therapy and the placement of a venacaval filter.
Can galactic halos be made of axions

If axions exist, they contribute significantly to the present energy density. These axions have been collisionless and nonrelativistic since their appearance at \ensuremath{\sim} 1 GeV. Hence axion density perturbations survive on essentially all scales, and once the axions are dominant, grow and in turn create and amplify baryon fluctuations. Axions can cluster into galactic halos even though the axion mass \ensuremath{\lesssim}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ eV. If galactic halo matter is mainly axions, the Peccei-Quinn order parameter \ensuremath{\gtrsim}${10}^{10}$ GeV.
Binary-oscillator networks: Bridging a gap between experimental and abstract modeling of neural networks

This paper proposes a simplified oscillator model, called binary-oscillator, and develops a class of neural network models having binary-oscillators as basic units. The binary-oscillator has a binary dynamic variable v = ±1 modeling the “membrane potential” of a neuron, and due to the presence of a “slow current” (as in a classical relaxation-oscillator) it can oscillate between two states. The purpose of the simplification is to enable abstract algorithmic study on the dynamics of oscillator networks. A binary-oscillator network is formally analogous to a system of stochastic binary spins (atomic magnets) in statistical mechanics.
Simultaneous multiple Sample Light Scattering for analysis of polymer solutions

An instrument for performing Simultaneous Multiple Sample Light Scattering (SMSLS) is introduced, which allows multiple, independent polymer samples to be analyzed simultaneously. Three demonstrations of SMSLS capabilities are made; proof of the SMSLS ability to make absolute Rayleigh scattering ratio measurements on well- defined standards, the monitoring of a biopolymeric degra- dation process (hyaluronate degradation using hyaluroni- dase), with subsequent determination of the Michaelis-Men- ten constant, and an aggregation process (low concentration gelatin solutions). It is hoped that SMSLS will become a valuable tool for rapid screening and characterization of both equilibrium properties and nonequilibrium processes in polymer solutions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 2724 -2732, 2004
Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance Study of Corrosion of Phases in AA2024

This work was supported by the United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research Grant no. F49620-96-1-0479 under the guidance of Dr. Paul Trulove.
Locus of control among psychiatric disability petitioners.

Administered the Rotter I-E scale to 135 psychiatric disability petitioners in connection with their clinical evaluation for the Social Security Administration. Internal vs. External Locus of Control (I-E), Personal Locus of Control (PLC) subscale, and Sociopolitical Locus of Control (SLC) subscale scores were analyzed with respect to diagnostic groups. While no significant differences were found among the diagnostic groups for I-E or PLC subscale scores, SLC subscale scores were significantly different (p less than .02), with externality inversely related to degree of impairment. The report concludes that the disability petitioners, especially the less impaired, see themselves in adversarial relationships with sociopolitical forces, i.e., the Social Security Administration, with this attitude reflected in the SLC subscale scores.
Critical Success Factors for Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure Development

Different types of public–private partnerships (PPPs) have been practiced in worldwide infrastructure development with diverse results and a variety of problems have been encountered. A number of factors combine to determine the success or failure of an infrastructure project in terms of its objectives. There is an urgent need for a workable and efficient procurement protocol for improved practices in future PPP projects. As an important step toward the development of such a protocol, this study identifies, analyzes, and categorizes various critical success factors (CSFs) for PPPs in general based on a public–private win–win principle and a systematic research approach that includes case studies, literature review, and interviews/correspondence with international experts. A CSF package is developed that contains five main CSFs, each including a number of success subfactors (SSFs). Relative significances of these CSFs and SSFs are examined based on the results of a questionnaire survey of international exp...
NSTX flag joint fastener design, testing, and fatigue analysis

In February of 2003 NSTX experienced a fault in the TF coil system resulting in damage to the center stack TF bundle. Subsequent investigation revealed that unexpected loading of the TF bus connections had led to failure in the "TF flag" bus area. Design improvements were made with respect to the TF flag support structure and detailed analysis was performed to substantiate the new approach under both static and fatigue loading. Component and prototype testing was used to verify the validity of the analysis. This paper briefly reviews the redesign and details the analysis and testing associated with the TF flag joint hardware.
The Lasagna pain scale (LPS)

In 1960 Lasagna recommended a vertical scale to measure pain intensity (PI), different from most (horizontal) instruments.1 We (BPS) had discussed the sensibility of a vertical PI scale with Dr. Lasagna and noted the sensitivity of his “pain thermometer” when used by children to demonstrate analgesic activity,2,3 but we had applied this type of rating scale to adults only once.4 Methods We designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on adults with severe sore throat that included a 0-to-10 vertical PI scale (the LPS) with conventional horizontal visual analog PI and categorical relief rating scales. Results 131 patients used the LPS and conventional scales to distinguish valdecoxib 20 mg BID from placebo within 1 hr, over 12 hrs, and over 24 hrs (all P<0.05). The analgesic effects recorded on the LPS were validated by the standard PI and relief rating scales (Pearson correlation coefficients: 0.98 and 0.96, P<0.001). Patients found the LPS easy to use, perhaps because, as on a thermometer, higher values are associated with a worse condition, lower values with an improving condition (which was Lasagna's hunch). Conclusions Based on these and previous results, we conclude that the LPS is a sensitive rating scale of familiar dimension, a useful addition to our armamentarium as clinical investigators studying pain in adults and children. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P93–P93; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.249
The Threat of Appearing Prejudiced and Race-Based Attentional Biases:

The current work tested whether external motivation to respond without prejudice toward Blacks is associated with biased patterns of selective attention that reflect a threat response to Black individuals. In a dot-probe attentional bias paradigm, White participants with low and high external motivation to respond without prejudice toward Blacks (i.e., low-EM and high-EM individuals, respectively) were presented with pairs of White and Black male faces that bore either neutral or happy facial expressions; on each trial, the faces were displayed for either 30 ms or 450 ms. The findings were consistent with those of previous research on threat and attention: High-EM participants revealed an attentional bias toward neutral Black faces presented for 30 ms, but an attentional bias away from neutral Black faces presented for 450 ms. These attentional biases were eliminated, however, when the faces displayed happy expressions. These findings suggest that high levels of external motivation to avoid prejudice resu...
Oxidative Mediated Lipid Peroxidation Recapitulates Proarrhythmic Effects on Cardiac Sodium Channels

Sudden cardiac death attributable to ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VF) remains a catastrophic outcome of myocardial ischemia and infarction. At the same time, conventional antagonist drugs targeting ion channels have yielded poor survival benefits. Although pharmacological and genetic models suggest an association between sodium (Na + ) channel loss-of-function and sudden cardiac death, molecular mechanisms have not been identified that convincingly link ischemia to Na + channel dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias. Because ischemia can evoke the generation of reactive oxygen species, we explored the effect of oxidative stress on Na + channel function. We show here that oxidative stress reduces Na + channel availability. Both the general oxidant tert-butyl-hydroperoxide and a specific, highly reactive product of the isoprostane pathway of lipid peroxidation, E 2 -isoketal, potentiate inactivation of cardiac Na + channels in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells and cultured atrial (HL-1) myocytes. Furthermore, E 2 -isoketals were generated in the epicardial border zone of the canine healing infarct, an arrhythmogenic focus where Na + channels exhibit similar inactivation defects. In addition, we show synergistic functional effects of flecainide, a proarrhythmic Na + channel blocker, and oxidative stress. These data suggest Na + channel dysfunction evoked by lipid peroxidation is a candidate mechanism for ischemia-related conduction abnormalities and arrhythmias.
Oxidation-Protection Methodology for Long-Term use of Carbon-Carbon Fiber-Matrix Composites in Oxidizing Ambients

A methodology is described for protecting Carbon-Carbon fiber-matrix composite (C-C) components from oxidation for extended use in oxidizing ambients for lifetimes of the order of 10,000 hours, from room temperature to 650°C. This time-temperature profile is relevant to applications such as airborne heat exchangers. Weight changes of oxidation-protected, pitch-fiber based C-C coupons in flowing dry air at 650°C are presented. Two types of external protective approaches are compared: (a) multi-phase, borophosphate-based fluidizing overseal coatings applied directly to C-C, and (b) the same overseal coatings applied to CVD SiOxCy coated C-C. The latter, dual-coating approach provides an effective engineering solution for the above temperature-time profile and is particularly applicable to thin (0.1–3 mm thick), complex-shaped articles. The behavior of inert substrates (oxidized silicon) with the same overseal coatings is compared to the behavior of the C-C substrates. This approach can be applied with optional modifications to suit other environmental conditions, and other carbon-containing materials, such as carbon foams and C-SiC composites.
Level shifting techniques for mixed-signal SoCs in low-voltage nanometer CMOS technologies

A technique for managing leakage in level shifters used in SoCs to transfer digital signals across supply domains is introduced. The technique is effective regardless of supply sequencing order or availability, and it ensures a deterministic output from all level shifters under all supply conditions.
Fully nonlinear interactions of waves with a three-dimensional body in uniform currents

Abstract Fully nonlinear wave interactions with a three-dimensional body in the presence of steady uniform currents are studied using a Numerical Wave Tank (NWT). The fully nonlinear NWT simulations are compared with perturbation-based time-domain solutions. The three-dimensional NWT uses an indirect Desingularized Boundary Integral Equation Method (DBIEM) and a Mixed Eulerian–Lagrangian (MEL) time marching scheme. The Laplace equation is solved at each time step and the fully nonlinear free surface boundary conditions are integrated with time to update its position and boundary values. A regridding algorithm is devised to eliminate the possible saw-tooth instabilities. The incident waves are generated by a piston-type wavemaker and the current is introduced in the whole fluid domain at the start of simulations. The outgoing waves are dissipated inside a damping zone by using spatially varying artificial damping on the free surface. Computations are performed for the nonlinear diffractions of steep monochromatic waves by a truncated vertical cylinder in the presence of uniform coplanar or adverse currents. The NWT simulations are also compared favorably with the experimental results of Mercier and Niedzwecki [1] and Moe [2] .
Role of human CYP1A1 and NAT2 in 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-induced mutagenicity and DNA adducts.

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is carcinogenic in multiple organs and numerous species. Bioactivation of PhIP is initiated by PhIP N(2)-hydroxylation catalysed by cytochrome P450s. Following N-hydroxylation, O-acetylation catalysed by N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) is considered a further possible activation pathway. Genetic polymorphisms in NAT2 may modify cancer risk following exposure. Nucleotide excision repair-deficient Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably transfected with human cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) and a single copy of either NAT2*4 (rapid acetylator) or NAT2*5B (slow acetylator) alleles were used to test the effect of CYP1A1 and NAT2 polymorphism on PhIP genotoxicity. Cells transfected with NAT2*4 had significantly higher levels of N-hydroxy-PhIP O-acetyltransferase (p = 0.0150) activity than cells transfected with NAT2*5B. Following PhIP treatment, CHO cell lines transfected with CYP1A1, CYP1A1/NAT2*4 and CYP1A1/NAT2*5B each showed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase (hprt) mutagenesis not observed in untransfected CHO cells. dG-C8-PhIP was the primary DNA adduct formed and levels were dose dependent in transfected CHO cells in the order: CYP1A1 0.05) following one-way analysis of variance. These results strongly support activation of PhIP by CYP1A1 with little effect of human NAT2 genetic polymorphism on mutagenesis and DNA damage.
The Danger Model: A Renewed Sense of Self

For over 50 years immunologists have based their thoughts, experiments, and clinical treatments on the idea that the immune system functions by making a distinction between self and nonself. Although this paradigm has often served us well, years of detailed examination have revealed a number of inherent problems. This Viewpoint outlines a model of immunity based on the idea that the immune system is more concerned with entities that do damage than with those that are foreign.
Reconsidering risk to women: oocyte donation for human embryonic stem cell research.

Ellison and Meliker (2011) direct our attention to ethical problems concerning risk that arise from the use of human eggs (ooctyes) in stem cell research involving somatic cell nuclear transfer (SC...
Everyday Life in Stochastic Networks

Models of Stochastic networks may prove important tools for integrating ideas about structure with ideas about process in social theory.
Examining a social‐participatory youth co‐researcher methodology: a cross‐case analysis extending possibilities of literacy and research

At a time when youth are increasingly negotiating new media literacy practices across multiple contexts, literacy researchers are compelled to take notice and reconsider methodologies that centre the researcher, to purposefully engage youth's knowledge, identities and new media literacies as research methodologies. To that end, the authors constructed and enacted a Social-Participatory Youth Co-Researcher methodology across two in-depth interpretive qualitative research studies. Specifically, the authors describe and analyse how such a methodology enacts purposeful researcher roles for youth that forefront their emerging literacies and complicate static notions of teacher, research(er), standardised curriculum and teacher evaluation whilst youth grapple with issues of educational equity.
Current Concepts in Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Thorax

Thoracoscopy is a technique that has been shown to decrease patient morbidity and is rapidly becoming more diversely applied for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in veterinary medicine. This article describes the basic equipment and application of thoracoscopy in small animal surgery. The diagnostic and therapeutic applications are introduced and briefly described.
The Planar to Cellular Transition and the Long Time Scale Dynamics of Pattern Formation During Thin-Film Directional Solidification

Experimental observations of the melt/crystal interface in the directional solidification of a thin sample of a binary alloy are reported for conditions only slightly beyond those for the onset of morphological instability. Spectral analysis for long times shows dynamics leading to a band of most probable wavelengths with sharply selected peaks at wavelengths significantly below the most dangerous wavelength predicted by linear stability theory. These large-amplitude cells develop first in packets that spread to fill the interface.
The President's Playbook: White House Strategies for Lobbying Congress

In today's White House, implementing elaborate lobbying campaigns in support of the president's legislative initiatives is a familiar exercise. However, even as tales of presidential arm-twisting and deal making abound, still unclear are the general strategies by which presidents can build winning coalitions on Capitol Hill. Here I propose that presidents have available two basic options for influencing Congress: they can shift the distribution of preferences for roll-call votes, and they can censor the policy alternatives that make it that far. The first constitutes a vote-centered strategy, the second an agenda-centered strategy. After developing each within a framework that explains presidents’ choices of lobbying targets and tactics, hypotheses are tested against corresponding data on the interactions between administration officials and U.S. Senators for three important issues in the 107th Congress.
Academic development on the margins

Academic developers have typically moved into development from another discipline, and have been described as ‘academic migrants’. In this theoretical exploration, the authors examine how studies of marginality can add to our understanding of this process of migration, situating their work alongside studies that describe the academy with geo-political and topographical metaphors. They map the different types of marginality affecting academic developers, and draw on Stonequist's study of migration to explore ways that they, as academic developers, define their ‘hybrid’ academic identities, and how developers may find marginality a beneficial position when working with and around the power dynamics of institutions. Finally, they suggest a new way to conceptualize academic development work, and pose questions for future empirical studies investigating the ways in which a homeland on the margins is simultaneously peripheral and vital.
La dolarización, ¿costo o beneficio?

Although dollarization is not new, it is a highly topical issue in Latin America. This process will not have a positive effect on its own unless the underlying problems in each of the countries considering this alternative are dealt with. The idea of a stable currency and the resulting stability of the respective economies is what led countries to consider this option. The constant devaluation, inflation and repression of Latin American markets in the past have been a distressing reality; however, some people believe that dollarization would only prove beneficial to some. Each country should be responsible for its own future in a responsible and effective manner and make the right decision as regards its problems.
Implementation Consideration for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast on Unmanned Aircraft Systems

There is increasing interest by the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) community in the technologies comprising Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast and its potential operational applications. However, there are significant weight, space, power and cost challenges to applying ADS-B to small UAS. The MITRE Corporation has been conducting research on ADS-B for many years and has recently been investigating applying ADS-B to small UAS. From this experience have emerged unique insights about the ADS-B technologies and considerations of interest to UAS and avionics implementers. This paper examines the technology, the key issues affecting weight and performance, and issues that impact UAS avionics costs.
INHIBITION OF ENZYMIC (THROMBOKINASE) ACTIVATION OF BLOOD CLOTTING BY ORGANIC PHOSPHATES (ATP, ADP, AMP), INVOLVING A CALCIUM COMPLEX.

SummaryReduction of thrombin yields in an enzymic (thrombokinase)-activated 2-stage clotting system is achieved in vitro by mM additions of organic phosphates (ATP, ADP, AMP). This is investigated in relation to pH and Ca++ concentration, optima for which are defined in control systems. The evidence indicates that the major inhibition must be related to some unknown calcium complex, which is a yield-determining factor in thrombin generation, even without the organic phosphates. ATP-ase degrades ATP and largely removes its inhibitory action.
Comparison of Parenterally and Orally Administered Diethylstilbestrol In Production of Aortic Ruptures in Turkeys.

SummaryThe incidence of aortic ruptures in turkeys was similar when DES was administered either by the oral (16 and 32 g/100 lb of feed) or parenteral (30 mg/week) routes. Comparable hyperlipemia and lowering of blood pressure occurred in both treatment methods.
Nameless Indignities: Unraveling the Mystery of One of Illinois's Most Infamous Crimes

Review of: "Nameless Indignities: Unraveling the Mystery of One of Illinois's Most Infamous Crimes," by Susan Elmore.
Palliative chemotherapy and cancer-related fatigue in advanced NSCLC patients

6622 Background: Cancer-related fatigue is one the most severe and prevalent symptoms in patients with advanced-stage non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Whether palliative chemotherapy causes add...
ECG Diagnosis: Hyperacute T Waves

After QT prolongation, hyperacute T waves are the earliest-described electrocardiographic sign of acute ischemia, preceding ST-segment elevation. The principle entity to exclude is hyperkalemia-this T-wave morphology may be confused with the hyperacute T wave of early transmural myocardial infarction.
Renewable Thermoplastics Based on Lignin-Derived Polyphenols

A series of renewable triphenylmethane-type polyphenols (TPs) were synthesized from lignin-derived guaiacols (methylguaiacol and propylguaiacol) and aldehydes (4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, vanillin, and syringaldehyde). By converting guaiacols to catechols through ortho-demethylation, the newly formed phenolic para site remarkably improved the reactivity as reflected by conversion of TPs. Optimized reagent molar ratios were aldehyde/catechol (1:4) and aldehyde/H2SO4 (1:3). A typical TP (VAN-M-CAT) was converted to glycidyl ether (GE-VAN-M-CAT) to examine its feasibility as precursor to epoxy thermosets. The resulting network exhibited excellent glassy modulus (12.3 GPa), glass transition temperature (167 °C), and thermal stability, which were attributed to the rigid triphenylmethane framework, high functionality (n = 5), and high cross-link density. A fully biobased epoxy comonomer (VAN-LIN-EPO), which was prepared by esterification of VAN-M-CAT with linoleic acid followed by epoxidation, could tune the materia...
Lensfree on-chip microscopy achieves accurate measurement of yeast cell viability and concentration using machine learning

Automatic measurement of yeast viability and concentration is achieved by coupling a lensfree on-chip holographic microscope with a machine learning based classification algorithm that counts the number of live/dead cells stained with methylene blue.
Activating agency and discretion: identifying factors affecting the interactions between unaccompanied migrant children and public servants

Unaccompanied migrant children in the USA are subject to the immigration policies of the USA, as well as to the individuals who implement immigration policies. The interactions between unaccompanied migrant children and those who implement immigration policy are particularly important, as they mediate unaccompanied migrant children's experience in the USA and their final outcome in the country. However, these interactions are hard to understand, primarily because of limited access to both children and public servants. In this paper, we use qualitative data to explore potential factors for these interactions during a six-month period in 2014. We identify six themes relevant to children's migration process and demonstrate how these themes can act as factors in these interactions through the ways that unaccompanied migrant children employ their agency and public servants use their discretion.
Applications of the riesz decomposition

Let V be a function defined on ℝn. When is V a potential, i.e. when can we find a measure µ of compact support such that V = Uµ?
Concepts, Principles, and Definitions

Forensics is the application of science to solve crime . Geographic Information Science , encompassing geospatial information and technology (GIT), has become established within the criminology and forensic fields in the last decade. Law enforcement agencies and forensic investigators embrace geospatial science and technologies for collecting, storing, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying spatial data , resulting in new information, procedures, and models for investigation , policy, and decision making. Applications, acceptability, relevance , and procedural legality of geospatial technologies vary substantially, leading to the assessment of their roles in law enforcement, rules of evidence , protection of privacy , and constitutional liberties . This chapter discusses the context and principles of geospatial technologies and the integration of geospatial tools, principles, and methods into a five-stage model of crime analysis and investigation.
Unusual Power: Leading with Gentleness

While gentleness is not typically on a list of leadership characteristics, we can see from the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday that the concept of a gentle leader has both Old and New Testament roots. This chapter will analyze this type of gentle leadership that is able to flourish in the midst of resistance and injustice while finding leniency in the midst of judgment. The contemporary model of social power base theory provides a framework for applying these ancient insights to contemporary leaders. It is out of this comparison that not only a more fascinating understanding of biblical gentleness is seen but also how gentleness becomes exemplified by the cultural desire to see gentleness that offsets stern laws.
Advances in Acute Pancreatic Imaging

Emergent imaging of the pancreas falls into two broad categories: nontraumatic and traumatic. Imaging for nontraumatic causes is often performed in the evaluation of nonspecific acute abdominal pain in the ER setting, or to assess for severity and complications in known or suspected patients with pancreatitis. Imaging for injury of the pancreas is usually performed as part of a general evaluation for blunt or penetrating trauma to the abdomen, as trauma to the pancreas most often occurs in the setting of multi-organ injury. While evaluation of the pancreas is critical during a traumatic event, as morbidity and mortality are high if the pancreas is injured, actual. An additional category, beyond these causes, includes evaluating acute and delayed complications after pancreatic surgery, which can necessitate emergent imaging of the pancreas. The radiologist requires a basic understanding of the types of pancreatic surgical and other procedures, as a lack of familiarity with the altered anatomy can be an impediment to accurate and efficient diagnosis. In nearly all cases of pancreatic injury requiring emergent imaging, multi-detector computed tomography is the frontline modality. MRI/MRCP and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) play vital secondary roles. Ultrasonography has a limited, but specific role in the evaluation of the acute pancreas, and radiography has no role in the evaluation of the acutely injured or inflamed pancreas.
Syntax, Discourse and Interpretation of Pronominals

In this chapter, I present a model of the syntax-discourse interface. First, I discuss the role indices play in establishing a relevant interpretation of NPs. I show that coindexation of two NPs can either represent variable binding, or identity of guises for a given referent. Although these two interpretations are different with respect to the character of elements they apply to, they both establish a dependency relation. In the first case, it is a syntactic dependency, in the second, it is a discourse-related dependency.
Projecting Asteroid Impact Corridors onto the Earth

Asteroids that collide with the Earth have the potential to deliver widespread destruction to human civilization. The Probabilistic Asteroid Impact Risk (PAIR) software tool is currently being used to model the consequences associated with this natural hazard. Given that initial orbital solutions for a threatening asteroid are subject to uncertainties, the projected impact locations can cover a large area on the Earth's surface, called the impact corridor. The impact corridor not only provides information about the extent and general shape of the exposed area, but also represents a spatial projection of the impact probability distribution on the surface of the Earth. Spatial impact probability information is crucial for asteroid risk assessment, which combines impact consequences and impact probability. While PAIR is currently capable of estimating the impact consequences for a given impact scenario, including a probabilistic representation of the impact corridor will crucially extend its utility in asteroid risk analysis. Here, we present an approach to derive the impact corridor from an initial orbital solution that provides a position and velocity state vector in Cartesian coordinates with a corresponding covariance matrix. Using a Monte Carlo method, a finite set of impact points is generated by sampling the orbital solution state space and propagating the sampled orbits to the ground. The set of impact locations is subsequently used to construct the impact corridor in continuous form on the ground. An analytical or numerical approach may be used to construct the impact corridor from a set of impact points. The analytical approach requires fitting of a probability density function to the impact location set to determine a spatial impact probability distribution. On the other hand, the numerical approach estimates the spatial impact location density at each position in the affected area and scales this information to represent impact probability. The two schemes are compared for their practical applicability within the PAIR tool. The capability to calculate probabilistic impact corridors from orbital data within the PAIR model will enable it to support additional asteroid risk analysis applications, such as risk-informed design for mitigation missions or evaluation of civil response strategies.
Alpha 2B-adrenergic receptors: immunolocalization and regulation by potassium depletion in rat kidney

Regulation of transport processes in renal epithelial cells in response to alpha 2-adrenergic receptor (alpha 2-AR) stimulation is likely due to specific effects of the A-, B-, or C-subtype alpha 2...
An exploration of chemistry students’ conceptions of light and light-matter interactions in the context of the photoelectric effect

Light is used ubiquitously across science and engineering to explore, characterise, understand matter, and catalyse processes. Relative to its utility in science and engineering, very little resear...