cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gaining and Losing Interest in Running for Public Office: Developing the Concept of Dynamic Political Ambition

In this article, we propose the concept of dynamic ambition, the notion that myriad factors work systematically to encourage and suppress political ambition among potential candidates. We base our results on the Citizen Political Ambition Panel Study, our national survey of almost 3,800 “potential candidates” in 2001 and a second survey of more than 2,000 of these same individuals in 2008. This panel study – the only one ever to focus on political ambition – allows for the first empirical assessment of the manner in which potential candidates gain and lose interest in running for office over time. Contrary to much of the literature’s characterization of ambition as static or fixed, the results of our analysis reveal that political ambition fluctuates widely; we uncover significant individual-level shifts in interest in running for all levels of office over the course of seven years. These fluctuations tend not to result from changes in the traditional gauges of political participation and strategic assessments of the political opportunity structure. Rather, shifts in levels of external and internal political efficacy account for much of the variation in levels of political ambition over time. Changes in patterns of political recruitment, as well as in personal and professional circumstances, also contribute to the likelihood that potential candidates will gain or lose interest in seeking elective office. Together, these findings suggest that political ambition is a volatile commodity and that a complete understanding of candidate emergence must incorporate its dynamic nature.
High-efficiency second-to-fourth harmonic conversion in KDP

A motivation for achieving high fourth-harmonic-generation (FHG) conversion efficiencies in glass laser-fusion systems lies in the increased laser-target coupling efficiency at shorter wavelengths. To investigate the factors involved in obtaining high-conversion efficiencies using KDP, we set up a laser system consisting of a Nd:YLF oscillator and glass amplifier. We apertured the output Gaussian beam to 1.7 mm to obtain a flat-topped spatial profile. The system produced peak intensities of up to 8 GW/cm2 in 150-ps Gaussian pulses at the fundamental (1.054-μm) wavelength. Conversion to the second harmonic was achieved in a separate KDP crystal using type II phase matching. With this system, we achieved 80% internal second-to-fourth harmonic conversion efficiency in a type I 1-cm thick KDP crystal. We believe this is the highest second-to-fourth harmonic conversion efficiency obtained to date in KDP and attribute it to careful aperturing of the beam to obtain a flat spatial profile.
“I Think You Mean …” Potential Perils of Teacher Paraphrasing and Alternative Responses for Student Engagement

The present article highlights teacher paraphrasing, a response habit that can hinder student problem solving, authentic classroom dialogue, and promotion of a democratic classroom. Specifically, i...
Hold Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand: Learning the World Through Place-Based Craft

At a tiny undergraduate college in northern Vermont, USA, my students explore environmental humanities from the inside out through hands-on experiential education, following Dewey (Experience and education. 1997 reprint ed, Touchstone, New York, 1938) and an implicitly phenomenological approach. Using locally available materials, we practice handspinning, papermaking, lapidary, and other crafts. Each one is a particularity through which students learn not only about the nature of the physical material but also our evolving capabilities as humans.
The protein kinase Cβ-selective inhibitor, enzastaurin, attenuates amphetamine-stimulated locomotor activity and self-administration behaviors in rats

Pathological amphetamine (AMPH) use is a serious public health concern with no pharmacological treatment options. Protein kinase Cβ (PKCβ) has been implicated in the mechanism of action of AMPH, such that inhibition of PKCβ attenuates AMPH-stimulated dopamine efflux in vivo. With this in mind, inhibition of PKCβ may be a viable therapeutic target for AMPH use disorder. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that selective pharmacological inhibition of PKCβ alters AMPH-stimulated behaviors in rats. Rats were administered intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of the PKCβ-selective inhibitor enzastaurin 0.5, 3, 6, or 18 h before evaluating AMPH-stimulated locomotion (0.32–3.2 mg/kg). Rats were trained to make responses for different doses of AMPH infusions or sucrose under a fixed ratio 5 schedule of reinforcement, and the effects of enzastaurin pretreatment 3 or 18 h prior to a self-administration session were determined. Also, the effect of enzastaurin on AMPH-stimulated PKC activity in the ventral striatum was evaluated. A large dose of enzastaurin (1 nmol) decreased AMPH-stimulated locomotor activity 0.5 h following enzastaurin administration. Small doses of enzastaurin (10–30 pmol) attenuated AMPH-stimulated locomotor activity and shifted the AMPH dose-effect curve to the right following an 18-h pretreatment. Rats pretreated with enzastaurin 18 h, but not 3, prior to a self-administration session showed a decrease in the number of responses for AMPH, shifted the ascending limb of the amphetamine dose effect curve, and produced no change in responses for sucrose. AMPH-stimulated PKC activity was decreased following a 0.5- or 18-h pretreatment, but not a 3-h pretreatment of enzastaurin. These results demonstrate that inhibition of PKCβ will decrease AMPH-stimulated behaviors and neurobiological changes and suggest that PKCβ is potentially a viable target for AMPH use disorder.
Adaptation by naïve CD4+ T cells to self-antigen–dependent TCR signaling induces functional heterogeneity and tolerance

Naive CD4+ T cells experience weak T cell receptor (TCR) signals induced by self-peptides presented by MHC II. To investigate how these “basal” TCR signals influence responses to agonist TCR ligand stimulation, we analyzed naive CD4+ cells expressing varying amounts of CD5, Ly6C, and Nur77-GFP, markers that reflect the strength of basal TCR signaling. Phenotypic analyses indicate that the broadest range of basal TCR signal strength can be visualized by a combination of Nur77-GFP and Ly6C. A range of basal TCR signaling is detectable even in populations that express identical TCRs. Whereas moderate basal TCR signal strength correlates with higher IL-2 secretion at early time points following TCR stimulation, weak basal TCR signaling correlated with higher IL-2 secretion at later time points. We identify a population of Nur77-GFPHI Ly6C− cells that could not be reliably marked by either of CD5, Ly6C, or Nur77-GFP alone. These cells experience the strongest basal TCR signaling, consistently produce less IL-2, and express PD-1 and markers associated with anergy, such as Grail and Cbl-b. We propose that adaptation to the strength of basal TCR signaling drives the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of naive CD4+ cells.
The Effect of Aging on Aerosol Bolus Deposition in the Healthy Adult Lung: A 19-Year Longitudinal Study

Background: While it is recognized that peripheral lung structure and ventilation heterogeneity change with age, the effects of age on aerosol deposition in the healthy adult lung is largely unknown. Methods: A series of aerosol bolus inhalations were repeatedly performed in four healthy subjects over a period of 19 years (years = 0, 9, 15 and 19). For each series, a bolus of 1 μm particles was inhaled at penetration volumes (Vp) ranging from 200 to 1200 mL. Aerosol bolus deposition (DE), dispersion (H), and mode shift (MS) were calculated along with the rate of increase in these parameters with increasing Vp (slope-DE, slope-H, and slope-MS). Results: Slope-DE significantly increased from 0.040 ± 0.014 (mean ± standard deviation) at year 0 to 0.069 ± 0.007%/mL at year 19 (p = 0.02) with no significant difference in DE at shallow depth (Vp = 200 mL; 14% ± 4% at year 0 vs. 15% ± 7% at year 19, p = 0.25). There was no significant effect of age on either slope-H (0.44 ± 0.05 at year 0 vs. 0.47 ± 0.09 mL/mL at year 19, p = 0.6) or dispersion at shallow depth (192 ± 36 mL at year 0 vs. 220 ± 54 mL at year 19, p = 0.2). Slope-MS became significantly more negative with increasing age (-0.096 ± 0.044 at year 0 vs. -0.171 ± 0.027 mL/mL at year 19, p = 0.001) with no significant difference in MS at shallow depth (12 ± 10 at year 0 vs. 7 ± 15 mL at year 19, p = 0.3). Conclusions: These data suggest that (1) peripheral deposition increases with aging in the healthy lung, likely as a result of increasing closing volume with age; (2) alterations in the mechanical properties of healthy adult lungs with age occur uniformly; and (3) the significant increase in the magnitude of MS-slope with age is likely due to the concomitant increase in peripheral deposition and possible alterations in flow sequencing.
Genus Tabanus. Tabanids (horseflies). What is this insect and how does it affect man

The insect family Tabanidae (Order: Diptera) comprises approximately 3000 species of flies worldwide, including the commonly known horseflies and deerflies. Females of most species require a blood meal to complete egg development and many species are important in human and animal medicine. This article briefly discusses the life cycle, biology, and medical significance of tabanids.
Understanding Information and Technology Role in the Life of International Student Saudi Mothers in the United States

The number of students studying internationally has grown significantly in recent years. Saudi Arabia comes among the top countries sending students to the United States. While settling overseas, Saudi international students face many challenges. In particular, student-mothers encounter the challenges of fulfilling their family and childcare responsibilities while pursuing their studies abroad. Despite the rich literature of information and technology use by international students, few studies considered international students from Saudi Arabia or student-mothers, who face dual expectations of their higher education and family roles. Therefore, my dissertation research aims to explore the information practices and technology uses among the community of international student Saudi mothers in the United States during their studies.
Impact of mandated prospectively reported apparent diffusion coefficient values on the rates of positivity for clinically significant prostate cancer by PI-RADS score:

BackgroundPrior research has shown that retrospectively measured apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions is associated with clinically significant ...
CHAPTER 3 – Answers

In some of the later problems here, we use commands that haven't been introduced yet. This is just to make the presentation of the answers as concise as possible. Everything that is used will be explained eventually.
Comparative left ventricular mechanical deformation in acute apical variant stress cardiomyopathy and acute anterior myocardial infarction utilizing 2‐dimensional longitudinal strain imaging

AIMS Despite three decades of study, it is still challenging to discriminate acute apical variant stress cardiomyopathy (AVSCM) from acute left anterior descending-myocardial infarction (LAD-MI) at the time of presentation. A biomarker or practical imaging modality that can differentiate these two entities is highly desirable. Our objective was to characterize left ventricular (LV) mechanical deformation using 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic strain imaging in an attempt to discriminate AVSCM from LAD-MI at presentation. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied 108 women (60 AVSCM, 48 ST segment elevation LAD-MI). All underwent echocardiography within 48 hours of presentation. 2D longitudinal strain (LS) from an 18-segment LV model was performed, with global LS (GLS) taken as the average of all 18 segments. GLS was abnormal, but did not differentiate AVSCM from LAD-MI. Mean LS of the basal and mid-anterior, basal, and mid-anteroseptum segments were significantly lower in LAD-MI vs AVSCM group (-14 ± 9% vs -20 ± 8%; -11 ± 7% vs -14 ± 6%; -9 ± 8% vs -14 ± 8%; -9 ± 7% vs -13 ± 5%, respectively, all P ≤ .05). Mean LS of the basal inferior and inferolateral segments was significantly higher in the LAD-MI vs. AVSCM group (-19 ± 9% vs -13 ± 7%; -23 ± 11% vs -18 ± 7%, respectively, all P ≤ .05). Using ROC curve analysis, segmental strain ratio of average basal inferior and inferolateral segments LS to average mid- and basal anterior and anteroseptum segments LS of ≥1.58 was 90% specific for LAD-MI [area under the curve (AUC) 0.87; P < .001]. CONCLUSION Longitudinal strain patterns are useful in discriminating AVSCM from LAD-MI patients at presentation and may be valuable in stratifying patients for invasive evaluation.
Effect of tongue tie corrective surgery on the development of language in children with short lingual frenulum

Objective To investigate the effect of tongue tie corrective surgery on the development of language in children with short lingual frenulum.Methods 94 children with short lingual frenulum were selected,and under the permission of the patients'family they were randomly divided into two groups.The treatment group received ankylotomy and language training.The control group was only given language training.The clinical efficacy,improvement time of pronunciation and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results The total effective rate of the treatment group was 91.49％,which was significantly higher than 72.34％ of the control group (x2 =5.816,P ＜0.05).The improvement time of pronunciation in the treatment group was significantly shorter than the control group(t =21.250,P ＜ 0.01).There were no serious adverse reactions observed in two groups.Conclusion Tongue tie correction surgery can significantly affect the language development in children with short lingual frenulum,the improvement time of pronunciation is short,which is worthy of clinical application. Key words: Orthopedic procedures ; Lingual frenum ; Language development
The Subhedar’s Son: A Narrative of Brahmin-Christian Conversion from Nineteenth-Century Maharashtra, edited by Deepra Dandekar:

This son of a former local ruler, from the elite Brahman community that had presided over the fortunes of the Maratha Empire before its defeat by the British Raj, became a Christian convert and the...
The relationship between famine exposure during early life and carotid plaque in adulthood

Famine exposure is a potential risk factor for adverse cardiometabolic health. However, the relationship between famine exposure during early life and carotid plaque in adulthood remains unclear. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the relationship between famine exposure during early life and the risks for carotid plaque in adulthood. This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected between 2017 and 2018 in Guangdong, China. Subjects who were born between 1 October 1952 and 30 September 1964, and had the carotid ultrasound measurement were enrolled. All included participants were divided into five groups: no exposure, fetal exposure, early-childhood exposure, mid-childhood exposure, and late-childhood exposure. Carotid plaque was assessed by carotid ultrasound examination. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) between famine exposure and carotid plaque. There were 2652 subjects enrolled, 973 (36.7%) of them were males, and the mean age was 59.1 ± 3.6 years. The prevalence of carotid plaque in unexposed, fetal-exposed, early-childhood, mid-childhood, and late-childhood exposed groups were 40.2%, 40.8%, 55.3%, 56.8%, and 62.1%, respectively. When compared with the unexposed group, the fully adjusted ORs for carotid plaque from fetal-exposed, early-childhood, mid-childhood to late-childhood exposed were 1.023 (95% CI: 0.771, 1.357, P = 0.872), 1.755 (95% CI: 1.356, 2.275, P 0.500). Famine exposure during early life was significantly associated with an increased risk of carotid plaque in adulthood.
Persistent El Niño driven shifts in marine cyanobacteria populations.

In the California Current Ecosystem, El Nino acts as a natural phenomenon that is partially representative of climate change impacts on marine bacteria at timescales relevant to microbial communities. Between 2014-2016, the North Pacific warm anomaly (a.k.a., the "blob") and an El Nino event resulted in prolonged ocean warming in the Southern California Bight (SCB). To determine whether this "marine heatwave" resulted in shifts in microbial populations, we sequenced the rpoC1 gene from the biogeochemically important picocyanobacteria Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus at 434 time points from 2009-2018 in the MICRO time series at Newport Beach, CA. Across the time series, we observed an increase in the abundance of Prochlorococcus relative to Synechococcus as well as elevated frequencies of ecotypes commonly associated with low-nutrient and high-temperature conditions. The relationships between environmental and ecotype trends appeared to operate on differing temporal scales. In contrast to ecotype trends, most microdiverse populations were static and possibly reflect local habitat conditions. The only exceptions were microdiversity from Prochlorococcous HLI and Synechococcus Clade II that shifted in response to the 2015 El Nino event. Overall, Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus populations did not return to their pre-heatwave composition by the end of this study. This research demonstrates that extended warming in the SCB can result in persistent changes in key microbial populations.
Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese I

The release of a new edition of the widely used Japanese textbook Genki has been widely anticipated. While most of the changes are subtle and aesthetic, there are noticeable improvements, especially in the efforts taken to better represent the diversity of the Japanese learner population. However, the textbook's unsystematic treatment of vocabulary and grammar reflect a teaching philosophy that, already dated when the first edition was published twenty years ago, has only drifted further from the field of second language pedagogy. The disjointed treatment of literacy and oracy skills make it difficult to understand what is "integrated" about the course it provides. Great teaching can still be achieved using Genki, but it will require considerable creativity on behalf of teachers, especially those concerned with demonstrating how progress through the textbook aligns with measurable outcomes or gains in proficiency.
Question Rewriting for Open-Domain Conversational QA: Best Practices and Limitations

Open-domain conversational QA (ODCQA) calls for effective question rewriting (QR), as the questions in a conversation typically lack proper context for the QA model to interpret. In this paper, we compare two types of QR approaches, generative and expansive QR, in end-to-end ODCQA systems with recently released QReCC and OR-QuAC benchmarks. While it is common practice to apply the same QR approach for both the retriever and the reader in the QA system, our results show such strategy is generally suboptimal and suggest expansive QR is better for the sparse retriever and generative QR is better for the reader. Furthermore, while conversation history modeling with dense representations outperforms QR, we show the advantages to apply both jointly, as QR boosts the performance especially when limited history turns are considered.
Internalized stigma among cancer patients enrolled in a smoking cessation trial: The role of cancer type and associations with psychological distress.

Purpose Cancer patients who smoke may experience significant stigma due both to their disease, and negative attitudes and beliefs regarding smoking. We investigated whether internalized stigma differed between currently smoking cancer patients diagnosed with lung or head and neck cancers, other smoking related cancers, and non smoking-related cancers, and whether internalized stigma was associated with psychological distress. Methods This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data on 293 participants enrolled in a multi-site randomized smoking cessation intervention trial of patients with recently diagnosed cancer. Internalized stigma was assessed using five Internalized Shame items from the Social Impact of Disease Scale. Smoking-related cancers included lung, head and neck, esophageal, bladder, kidney, liver, pancreatic, colorectal, anal, small intestinal, gastric, and cervical. We used multivariable linear regression to examine whether mean internalized stigma levels differed between individuals with lung and head and neck cancers, other smoking-related cancers, and non smoking-related cancers, adjusting for potential confounders. We further examined the association of internalized stigma with depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, overall and among cancer type groups. Results Thirty-nine percent of participants were diagnosed with lung or head and neck cancer, 21% with another smoking-related cancer, and 40% with a non smoking-related cancer. In multivariable-adjusted models, participants with lung or head and neck cancers (11.6, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 10.8-12.2; p Conclusions Among smokers, those with smoking-related cancers experienced the highest levels of internalized stigma, and greater internalized stigma was associated with greater psychological distress across cancer types. Providers should assess patients for internalized and other forms of stigma, refer patients for appropriate psychosocial support services, and address stigma in smoking cessation programs.
S -Nitrosothiols signal the ventilatory response to hypoxia

Increased ventilation in response to hypoxia has been appreciated for over a century1, but the biochemistry underlying this response remains poorly understood. Here we define a pathway in which increased minute ventilation (VE ) is signalled by deoxyhaemoglobin-derived S-nitrosothiols (SNOs). Specifically, we demonstrate that S-nitrosocysteinyl glycine (CGSNO) and S-nitroso-l-cysteine (l-CSNO)—but not S-nitroso-d-cysteine (d-CSNO)—reproduce the ventilatory effects of hypoxia at the level of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). We show that plasma from deoxygenated, but not from oxygenated, blood produces the ventilatory effect of both SNOs and hypoxia. Further, this activity is mediated by S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), and GSNO activation by γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) is required. The normal response to hypoxia is impaired in a knockout mouse lacking γ-GT. These observations suggest that S-nitrosothiol biochemistry is of central importance to the regulation of breathing.
Subplate Neurons-Missing Link in Brain Injury of the Premature Infant?

How can we test the hypothesis that injury to subplate neurons is at the core of disturbances of cortical development and subsequent aberrations of cognition/attention in premature infants? Herein is a very difficult task. Brain imaging techniques, imcluding magnetic resonance imaging, tell us essentially nothing about subplate neurons acutely or about cortical neuronal connectivity later. Indeed even conventional neuropathology provides little information regarding the subplate neurons and the later cortical neuronal development. What is needed is an approach to the study of the premature brain that includes modern neurobiological techniques. Approaches that would be of great interest to address these questions include: immunocytochemical anlayses of presumed subplate neurons in cerebral white matter, specialized studies of cerebral corticocortical and thalamocortical connections by lipophilic dyes that track axonal membranes, and Golgi, ultrastructural and immunocytochemical staining of the cerebral cortex to assess cortical organization, lamination, and synaptogenesis. Subplate neurons, previously overlooked, could prove to be the missing link in the understanding of the higher cortical deficits that complicate the lives of premature infants at school age.
Metropolitan Area Networks

With some of the characteristics of LANs and some reflecting WANs, the metropolitan area network (MAN) technology embraces the best features of both. The motivations for MAN technology include the need for: (1) interconnection of LANs, (2) high-speed services, and (3) integrated services. The proliferation of LANs and the need for connecting them has brought MANs to the fore. The increasing customer demand for high-speed services has spawned the search for new technologies with wideband transport capabilities. For example, it is important that a travel agent gets prompt responses from the host computer when making airline reservations. The salary of the agent depends on high speed data communication.
Distribution of chemical elements in the cellular and extracellular components of the stomach and duodenum of rats.

Abstract Electron-probe x-ray microanalysis was performed on freeze-dried sections, 4 μm in thickness, of the walls of the stomach and duodenum of Sprague-Dawley rats by using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive x-ray detector and a pulse-height analysis system. Comparable cellular and extracellular components, i.e., the luminal epithelium, lamina propria, muscularis mucosae, submucosa, tunica muscularis, and serosa of the stomach and duodenum were probed with an electron beam using an acceleration voltage of 15 kV. This results in the emission of x-rays that are characteristic of the elements present in the volume probed. Six elements of biologic interest were detected, specifically Na, Mg, P, S, Cl, and K. Based on the peak /continuum ratios for these elements, relative concentrations were measured for each of the probe sites. The findings indicate significant differences exist between the relative amounts of Na (P
The Electoral Encounter: Legislative Responsiveness to Challenger Campaign Issues in the U.S. House

This paper builds on the research of Tracy Sulkin who first introduced the concept of legislative uptake. When incumbents "take up" their previous challengers themes, they effectively incorporate the priority issues of a non-winning coalition of voters. If uptake behavior is prevalent in the modern Congress it augments the responsiveness of legislators to minority interests. Here, I reexamine the legacy of electoral challengers using new measurement strategies. I take a small sample of House incumbents over several Congresses to determine whether incumbents' attention to challenger issues increases in the legislative session immediately following their reelection. Campaign data is generated using the CQ Special Election Editions and legislative data comes directly from the Library of Congress. An interrupted time-series design with pre-test and post-test measures of issue-attention are used with the campaign challenger as the "treatment”. More vulnerable members should engage in higher levels of uptake according to Sulkin since the "taking up" of challenger issues is motivated by electoral insecurity. Contrary to this intuitive logic, I find that exposure to campaign challengers does not significantly affect the legislative attention of incumbents after they return to Washington.
Salmonella suipestifer var. Kunzendorf infection in the puerperium

Abstract A Salmonella suipestifer , var. Kunzendorf , infection is reported in the postpartum patient. The infecting organism was recovered from blood and intrauterine cultures. Subsequently, a process localized in the first and second lumbar vertebrae, presumably caused by this organism. This process required orthopedic surgical treatment. Salmonella suipestifer , var. Kunzendorf , infections are relatively rare in the United States, particularly in the puerperal patient. The reports of three cases in the puerperal and prenatal period have been found in the literature. This is a report of the fourth case.
When Confidence Is Not a Signal of Knowing: How Students' Experiences and Beliefs About Processing Fluency Can Lead to Miscalibrated Confidence

When students monitor the effectiveness of their learning and accuracy of their memories, the presence or absence of specific content knowledge is not the only information that guides their evaluations. Equally important are the metacognitive experiences, subjective feelings, and epistemological beliefs that inform and accompany learning and remembering and guide achievement-related behavior. Students use a variety of cues (e.g., Koriat Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 126, 349–370, 1997), including experiences of and beliefs about processing fluency to determine confidence in their knowledge. This article addresses why some illusions of knowing that arise while learning and remembering are so pervasive. We draw on converging research from social and cognitive psychology to discuss the allure of processing fluency and influence of metacognitive beliefs on assessments of confidence. We include a discussion of research on the interaction of naive theories of intelligence with perceptions of processing fluency. Finally, we provide a number of suggestions to mitigate mistakes of confidence.
Fungal species composition and abundance on stored corn as influenced by several management practices and maize weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of several management tactics and Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (maize weevil) on fungal species composition and abundance on stored corn (maize). The most abundant fungi isolated from Pioneer hybrids 3378 and 3320 were Fusarium sp., Penicillium spp., Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus glaucus and A. flavus. High temperature (36 °C) inhibited the growth of Fusarium sp., Penicillium spp., Rhizopus sp. and A. flavus, while the growth of A. glaucus increased. Low initial kernel moisture content (9.7%) appeared to inhibit the growth of some fungi (Fusarium sp. and A. glaucus) while the growth of others (Penicillium spp. and A. flavus) increased. Surface disinfection with bleach reduced populations of Penicillium, Rhizopus, A. glaucus and A. flavus, while permitting an increase of Fusarium. Biotic factors also exert considerable control over fungal populations. Hybrid selection affected all major species except Fusarium. The mere introduction of maize weevils, even when killed within 24 h by malathion, increased the abundance of Penicillium spp. and A. glaucus.
We must reclaim public health from private corporate interests

Hastings calls for a broadening of public health’s focus beyond concerns about marketing, tobacco, and individual behavior.1 Others in public health—for example, in food and nutrition and non-communicable chronic disease have also taken this perspective. Some have raised the problem of widespread and multifaceted corporate influence on public health and …
Worsening renal function is not associated with response to treatment in acute heart failure

Background About a fourth of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients develop renal dysfunction during their admission. To date, the association of ADHF treatment with the development of worsening renal function (WRF) remains contentious. Thus, we examined the association of WRF with changes in BNP levels and with mortality.
Pharmacology of the isolated semicircular canal: effect of GABA and picrotoxin.

We have investigated the proposal that gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the afferent transmitter in the vestibular system using the isolated posterior semicircular canal of the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). This was done by examining the effects of GABA and picrotoxin on the evoked response of neural units in the posterior ampullar nerve. GABA had no effect on evoked response up to 1mM, and inhibited the evoked response at 10mM. Picrotoxin, a GABA antagonist, had no effect on evoked response between 5 μM and 100 μM. These results indicate that GABA is not the afferent transmitter in the vestibular system.
Analysis and optimization of power MOSFETs for cryogenic operation

Abstract Detailed experimentally measured data taken between 300 and 77 K is presented for power DMOSFETs with a wide range of breakdown voltages. The breakdown voltage and on-resistance were found to decrease whereas the threshold voltage and transconductance were found to increase with a decrease in operating temperature. This paper provides analytical models for the behavior of these parameters. Using these models, a relationship between the ideal specific on-resistance and the breakdown voltage of silicon power MOSFETs at cryogenic temperatures has been developed for the first time. In addition, the optimal cell design of a power DMOSFET has been shown to change as the operating temperature goes from 300 to 77 K due to the differences between the temperature dependence of inversion, accumulation and bulk mobilities.
CROSS-POLLINATING PARALLEL GENETIC ALGORITHMS FOR MULTI-OBJECTIVE SEARCH AND OPTIMIZATION

This paper discusses the design of a parallel genetic algorithm to generate solutions to multi-objective problems. The algorithm uses multiple optimization criteria, independent cross-pollinating populations, and handles multiple hard constraints. Individuals in the population consist of multiple chromosomes. The complexity of the algorithm is the number of generations processed times O(N2) where N is the total number of individuals used for path generation on any of the optimizations. The results of initial empirical studies on the effects of pollination and recommendations for possible future work are presented.
Attenuation of edema and infarct volume following focal cerebral ischemia by early but not delayed administration of a novel small molecule KDR kinase inhibitor.

Abstract Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may mediate increases in vascular permeability and hence plasma extravasation and edema following cerebral ischemia. To better define the role of VEGF in edema, we examined the effectiveness of a novel small molecule KDR kinase inhibitor Compound-1 in reducing edema and infarct volume following focal cerebral ischemia in studies utilizing treatment regimens initiated both pre- and post-ischemia, and with study durations of 24–72 h. Rats were subjected to 90 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by reperfusion. Pretreatment with Compound-1 (40 mg/kg p.o.) starting 0.5 h before occlusion significantly reduced infarct volume at 72 h post-MCAO (vehicle, 194.1 ± 22.9 mm 3 vs. Compound-1, 127.6 ± 22.8 mm 3 and positive control MK-801, 104.4 ± 22.6 mm 3 , both p p
Three-dimensional flow field measurements using LDV in the exit region of a radial inflow turbine

Detailed flow investigation in the downstream region of a radial inflow turbine was performed using a three component Laser Doppler Velocimeter. The flow velocities are measured in the exit region of the turbine at an off-design operating condition. The measured parameters are correlated to the rotor blade rotation to observe any periodic nature of the flow. The measurements reveal a complex flow pattern near the tip region at the rotor exit due to the interaction of the tip clearance flow. The effect of the rotor on the exit flow field is observed in the proximity of the rotor exit.
Radiologists as clinical tutors in a problem-based medical school curriculum.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives The authors sought to evaluate the experience of radiologists teaching in a problem-based preclinical medical school curriculum. Materials and Methods The undergraduate medical school curriculum at Wake Forest University includes 2 problem-based preclinical years that integrate basic and clinical sciences. Sixteen radiology fellows served as general clinical tutors for 5–9 weeks, each guiding the work of six 2nd-year students, often in tandem with a basic science tutor. On completion of the tutoring, the radiologists and the students were surveyed by means of a questionnaire. A follow-up group interview was conducted with the radiologists. Results The response rate to the questionnaire was 81% for the radiologists and 47% for the students. On average, radiologists spent 6.1 hours weekly on preparation and tutoring and 3.5 hours in total on administration and grading. All radiologists thought tutoring was rewarding, but seven of the 13 respondents (54%) disliked assigning grades. Radiologists spent less time teaching radiology residents and performing research, but few thought their clinical work was adversely affected. Nearly half of the radiologist-tutors thought that the preliminary orientation and training provided to them by the medical school was not adequate, and nearly all of them thought that they could have been better prepared. All of the medical students improved their perceptions of radiologists after having had a radiologist as a tutor, and most thought that the radiologist-tutors performed as well as or better than tutors from other disciplines. Conclusion Radiologists can be successful as general tutors in a problem-based medical school curriculum, benefiting both radiologists and students. Better orientation and training by the medical school would improve the program.
The Leadership Principles Used by Jack Welch as he Re-energized, Revolutionized, and Reshaped General Electric

Starting in the early 1980s till now, Jack Welch, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the General Electric Corporation (GE), has led his company through one of the most revolutionary and far-reaching ...
Sequence-dependent theory of oligonucleotide hybridization kinetics

A theoretical approach to the prediction of the sequence and temperature-dependent rate constants for oligonucleotide hybridization reactions has been developed based on the theory of relaxation kinetics. One-sided and two-sided melting reaction mechanisms for oligonucleotide hybridization reactions have been considered, analyzed, modified, and compared to select a physically consistent as well as robust model for prediction of the relaxation times of DNA hybridization reactions that agrees with the experimental evidence. The temperature- and sequence-dependent parameters of the proposed model have been estimated using available experimental data. The relaxation time model that we developed has been combined with the nearest neighbor model of hybridization thermodynamics to estimate the temperature- and sequence-dependent rate constants of an oligonucleotide hybridization reaction. The model-predicted rate constants are compared to experimentally determined rate constants for the same oligonucleotide hybridization reactions. Finally, we consider a few important applications of kinetically controlled DNA hybridization reactions.
Dynamic computer simulation of Clostridium perfringens growth in cooked ground beef

The objective of this study was to develop a computer simulation algorithm to dynamically estimate and predict the growth of Clostridium perfringens in cooked ground beef. The computational algorithm was based on the implicit form of the Gompertz model, the growth kinetics of C. perfringens in cooked ground beef, and the fourth-order Runge–Kutta numerical method. This algorithm was validated using a cocktail of three strains of C. perfringens spores grown under isothermal, square-waved, linear cooling, and exponential cooling temperature profiles. In general, the results of computer simulation matched closely with the experimental data with the absolute errors less than 0.5 log10 CFU/g. This method may be a useful tool for the food industry, regulatory agencies, distributors, and retailers to predict the effect of temperature abuse on the microbial safety of C. perfringens and other foodborne pathogens in processed meat products.
Language Minority Teacher Preparation: A Review of Alternative Programs

Abstract This article examines the elements critical to the success of alternative teacher education programs for culturally and linguistically diverse teachers, and analyzes three categories of alternative programs. While such initiatives proliferated during the 1990s, study of essential elements reveals that only a few incorporate comprehensive strategies. Given the Highly Qualified Teacher requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, understanding the structure of programs successful in recruiting and training culturally and linguistically diverse individuals to become teachers is critical. This is even more urgent given the changing demographics of U.S. schools and the complexity of training majority culture teachers in culturally responsive pedagogy. Most promising programs reviewed include para educator to teacher pipeline programs, and alternative licensing programs with extensive collaboration between local educational agencies and institutions of higher education.
E-healthcare: Remote monitoring, privacy, and security

E-healthcare refers to healthcare practice supported by the use of electronic devices and communication. As traditional internet transitions to Internet of Things, with objects and people interacting and sharing information, there are many opportunities to use that technology for improving healthcare outcomes while reducing cost. In this paper we discuss several potential applications of Internet of Things in e-healthcare, including remote monitoring for elderly and sleep disorders, and privacy and security issues associated with electronic medical records and data.
Legal document clustering with built-in topic segmentation

Clustering is a useful tool for helping users navigate, summarize, and organize large quantities of textual documents available on the Internet, in news sources, and in digital libraries. A variety of clustering methods have also been applied to the legal domain, with various degrees of success. Some unique characteristics of legal content as well as the nature of the legal domain present a number of challenges. For example, legal documents are often multi-topical, contain carefully crafted, professional, domain-specific language, and possess a broad and unevenly distributed coverage of legal issues. Moreover, unlike widely accessible documents on the Internet, where search and categorization services are generally free, the legal profession is still largely a fee-for-service field that makes the quality (e.g., in terms of both recall and precision) a key differentiator of provided services. This paper introduces a classification-based recursive soft clustering algorithm with built-in topic segmentation. The algorithm leverages existing legal document metadata such as topical classifications, document citations, and click stream data from user behavior databases, into a comprehensive clustering framework. Techniques associated with the algorithm have been applied successfully to very large databases of legal documents, which include judicial opinions, statutes, regulations, administrative materials and analytical documents. Extensive evaluations were conducted to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Subsequent evaluations conducted by legal domain experts have demonstrated that the quality of the resulting clusters based upon this algorithm is similar to those created by domain experts.
The Effect of Skeletal Maturity on the Regenerative Function of Intrinsic ACL Cells

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are an important clinical problem, particularly for adolescent patients. The effect of skeletal maturity on the potential for ACL healing is as yet unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that fibroblastic cells from the ACLs of skeletally immature animals would proliferate and migrate more quickly than cells from adolescent and adult animals. ACL tissue from skeletally immature, adolescent, and adult pigs and sheep were obtained and cells obtained using explant culture. Cell proliferation within a collagen–platelet scaffold was measured at days 2, 7, and 14 of culture using AMMTT assay. Cellular migration was measured at 4 and 24 h using a modified Boyden chamber assay, and cell outgrowth from the explants also measured at 1 week. ACL cells from skeletally immature animals had higher proliferation between 7 and 14 days (p < 0.01 for all comparisons) and higher migration potential at all time points in both species (p < 0.01 for all comparisons).ACL cells from skeletally immature animals have greater cellular proliferation and migration potential than cells from adolescent or adult animals. These experiments suggest that skeletal maturity may influence the biologic repair capacity of intrinsic ACL cells.
Vapour pressure of the binary system I2–Ag7I4PO4

Abstract Previous solubility studies of absorbed gaseous iodine by Ag7PO4I4 (API) in a wet atmosphere showed that API absorbs a great quantity of iodine (up to 1.8 mol of iodine per mol of API). The absorption rate law depends on the square root of iodine fugacity plus a constant term that represents a threshold fugacity ( f I 2 0 = 0.4 ± 0.5 Pa ) for the iodine absorption process. In this work, thermodynamic measurements carried out on the system {API + I2}, by using solid-state galvanic cells, gives a value ( p I 2 = ( 1.2 ± 0.7 ) × 10 − 2 Pa at 298 K) consistent with the one previously obtained with kinetic measurements. The API compound is stable for activity values lower than the mentioned fugacity.
T Cell Antigen Receptor Vaccines for Active Therapy of T Cell Malignancies

: T cell lymphoproliferative disorders continue to be serious management problems, and so alternative therapeutic modalities are continuously being explored. One such strategy involves immunotherapy using the T cell receptor (TCR) as a target. Specifically we are attempting to develop a T cell receptor idiotype (TCR-Id) vaccine because the TCR-Id can serve as a tumor-specific antigen. In this article we will briefly review the rationale for TCR-Id vaccines, the preclinical models as developed in our laboratory, and a discussion of our current plans for a vaccine trial in mycosis fungoides.
Cross-National Variation in the Political Sophistication of Individuals: Capability or Choice?

We argue that structural and contextual factors substantially affect the costs and benefits to individuals of becoming politically sophisticated. If the party system, the electoral system, and legislative institutions of a polity affect the availability, clarity, and usefulness of political information, they will also account for some of the cross-national variance in any individual-level measure of sophistication. Testing the Ordinary Least Squares model using cross-national survey data from the twelve nations of the pre-1995 European Union, we find substantial support for the hypothesized relationships. This support remains robust when we control for individual-level factors, and the model explains virtually all of the available cross-national variance.
Role of a nuclear localization signal on the minor capsid Proteins VP2 and VP3 in BKPyV nuclear entry

BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a ubiquitous nonenveloped human virus that can cause severe disease in immunocompromised populations. After internalization into renal proximal tubule epithelial cells, BKPyV traffics through the ER and enters the cytosol. However, it is unclear how the virus enters the nucleus. In this study, we elucidate a role for the nuclear localization signal located on the minor capsid proteins VP2 and VP3 during infection. Site-directed mutagenesis of a single lysine in the basic region of the C-terminus of the minor capsid proteins abrogated their nuclear localization, and the analogous genomic mutation reduced infectivity. Additionally, through use of the inhibitor ivermectin and knockdown of importin β1, we found that the importin α/β pathway is involved during infection. Overall these data are the first to show the significance of the NLS of the BKPyV minor capsid proteins during infection in a natural host cell.