cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pinpointing usability issues using an effort based framework

Often, software developers are notified of usability issues in their code through feedback from users and Human Computer Interface (HCI) experts. Yet, in many cases, the description of the issues cannot be correlated with the actual user interface (UI) program code. In this paper, we present a novel effort-based usability model in conjunction with a framework for identifying and locating (i.e., pinpointing) software usability issues and correlating the issues with UI software code. The model is based on the notion that usability is an inverse function of effort. Another innovative aspect of this framework is its focus on learning in the process of assessing usability measurements. Physical effort is obtained and inferred from logs of manual activity (e.g., keystrokes) and eye tracking. Experimental results from this study and other studies performed show high correlation to learning theory models and strongly support the relationship of effort to usability. The underlying theory and the findings of the experiments are used to propose a framework for user interface development where the interface designers are using effort-based metrics to pinpoint usability issues in the code.
Neutrino masses in composite little Higgs model

The composite little Higgs model, a UV completion for the SU(5)/SO(5) little Higgs model, incorporates supersymmetry into strong gauge dynamics. We extend the study of flavor physics in the model, and find that it is similar to the bosonic technicolor model. Lepton flavor violations and neutrino mass matrix arise once R-parity violating superpotential is introduced to the model, as in the MSSM. We identify various low-energy effective ΔL = 2 lepton flavor violating operators, and find that most of them are similar to those of the R-parity violating MSSM. There is a new operator which involves only leptons and the pseudo-Nambu Goldstone bosons of the little Higgs model. We further study a possibility that this operator gives a dominant contribution to the neutrino mass matrix.
A Rapid, Specific Membrane Filtration Procedure for Enumeration of Enterococci in Recreational Water

A two-step membrane filter (MF) method with mE medium, upon which the membrane must be incubated for 48 h and then transferred to a substrate medium to differentiate enterococci, is recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to measure enterococci in fresh and marine recreational waters. The original mE medium was modified by reducing the triphenyltetrazolium chloride from 0.15 to 0.02 g/liter and adding 0.75 g of indoxyl β-d-glucoside per liter. The new MF medium, mEI medium, detected levels of enterococci in 24 h comparable to those detected by the original mE medium in 48 h, with the same level of statistical confidence. In addition, the use of mEI medium eliminated the need to transfer the membrane to a substrate medium to differentiate enterococci from other genera of the fecal streptococcal group. Colonies from mEI medium were examined to determine the rates of false-positive and false-negative occurrences. mEI medium had a false-positive rate of 6.0% and a false-negative rate of 6.5%. Interlaboratory testing of the MF method with mEI medium demonstrated that the relative reproducibility standard deviations among laboratories ranged from 2.2% for marine water to 18.9% for freshwater. The comparative recovery studies, specificity determinations, and multilaboratory evaluation indicated that mEI medium has analytical performance characteristics equivalent to those of mE medium. The simplicity of use and decreased incubation time with mEI medium will facilitate the detection and quantification of enterococci in fresh and marine recreational waters.
A hybrid XML-relational grid metadata catalog

The ability to manage metadata is a critical requirement of the grid, but scientists have not been given the tools needed to catalog experimental data based on complex metadata attributes. Our research has shown that the specific characteristics of metadata catalogs require a different approach than that used for general queries over XML data. This paper presents a hybrid approach to storing XML in a relational database that exploits the specific characteristics of a metadata catalog.
An Overview of G.M. Faeth's NASA-Sponsored Research for the Period 1991-2005

G.M. Faeth managed a very active research program under NASA’s support during the period from 1991 to 2005. The initial emphasis of this program was to use NASA’s access to microgravity to improve our understanding and ability to control soot in flames of practical interest. This research program combined 1-g laboratory testing with a sophisticated flight experiment (Laminar Soot Processes: LSP) which sought to provide a simple means to predict soot in practical combustors. At the same time, he maintained an active interest in NASA’s spacecraft fire safety concerns and began two research programs in spacecraft fire suppression in 2003. An overview of these research programs is presented with an emphasis on the results of the spaceflight experiments.
Small Nucleolar RNAs U32a, U33, and U35a Are Critical Mediators of Metabolic Stress

Lipotoxicity is a metabolic stress response implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes complications and has been shown to involve lipid-induced oxidative stress. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of lipotoxicity, we used retroviral promoter trap mutagenesis to isolate a cell line that is resistant to lipotoxic and oxidative stress. We show that loss of three box C/D small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) encoded in the ribosomal protein L13a (rpL13a) locus is sufficient to confer resistance to lipotoxic and oxidative stress in vitro and prevents the propagation of oxidative stress in vivo. Our results provide evidence for a previously unappreciated, non-canonical role for box C/D snoRNAs as regulators of metabolic stress response pathways in mammalian cells.
EU LOBBYING: A VIEW FROM THE US

Abstract The complexities of multi-level advocacy within the EU create a number of challenges and opportunities for research. Here I focus on three issues: Advocacy, venues, and framing. Scholars investigating lobbying in the EU have made great strides and are now fully integrated into an international community of scholarship, more so than in previous decades. Being clear about the wide range of actors, including government officials, who may play the role of advocates, understanding the complexities of the various venues of policy-making within the EU, and studying framing processes systematically are important challenges as the literature continues to move forward.
Market dynamics and environmental impacts of e-commerce: A case study on book retailing

E-commerce has been developed by the high integration of transportation infrastructures and information and communication technology (ICT) in complex urban systems. The dynamics of the e-commerce market can cause different environmental impacts. This paper explores the dynamics of e-commerce market and the associated environmental impacts from a psychological perspective using an agent-based model simulation. A conceptual meta-theory from psychology is adopted to form the behavioural rules of the artificial consumers choosing different methods of buying a book, including conventional bookstores, e-commerce, and a proposed self pick-up logistic system. The introduction of the self pick-up system can be successful according to the simulation results. The advantage of lower price will attract a group of consumers. The simulation results also show that different structures of the social network have significant impacts on the dynamics of this market. The environmental impacts in terms of energy consumption and emission generation will be reduced by the introduction of the proposed self pick-up system.
MammoSite multilumen catheter: dosimetry considerations.

Purpose: To explore the dosimetric advantages of the new MammoSite multilumen (ML) balloon for breast brachytherapy treatment compared to conventional single lumen (SL) device plan. Materials and Methods: Patients deemed appropriate for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) were implanted with the MammoSite ML balloon. Two plans were generated in each patient for the same target coverage (PTV_EVAL) and dose to normal structures were plotted. The first plan used only the central single lumen with single-dwell position (SL), and the second plan (ML) was generated using the other lumens of the device. Dose distributions of the SL and ML plans were compared. Results: For the same PTV_EVAL, the ML balloon improved dose coverage at the tip and base of the applicator compared to SL plan. The skin and rib doses were reduced using the ML plan versus SL plan for the same PTV_EVAL in-patient 2, where the skin-balloon distance was 7 mm and the rib-balloon distance was Conclusion: In our initial experience, dosimetric goals can be better achieved using the ML MammoSite balloon when normal structures (skin and ribs) are close to PTV_EVAL with a distance of <7 mm and rib distance of <1 cm. The multiple lumen of ML balloon can optimize dose and reduce excessive dose to rib and skin and therefore minimize the long-term toxicities of rib discomfort, skin fibrosis and fat necrosis.
Regional Myocardial Function during Acute Coronary Artery Occlusion and Its Modification by Pharmacologic Agents in the Dog

Myocardial regional function during acute coronary artery occlusion was studied using ultrasonic dimension gauges in open-chest dogs. Three pairs of 2-mm ultrasonic crystals were implanted 1 cm apart near the endocardium in an ischemic segment, a control segment, and a segment at the margin of the ischemic zone. In the ischemic segment, coronary artery occlusion resulted in prompt dyskinesis which progressed to holosystolic expansion; length at enddiastole (diastolic length) increased by 11%, segment stroke work decreased by 91%, and the diastolic pressure-length relationship was displaced and steepened. In the marginal segment, active shortening and stroke work decreased by 37% and diastolic length increased by 4%. In the control segment, an initial increase in active shortening was observed, followed by compensatory operation of the Frank-Starling mechanism. Nitroglycerin administered during coronary artery occlusion decreased diastolic length and increased shortening in all three segments. An early beneficial effect of isoproterenol on all segments was later replaced by deterioration in marginal and ischemic segments. After propranolol administration, the decrease in shortening of the marginal segment was reduced to half of that observed during a control coronary artery occlusion, suggesting a protective effect of this drug. These results indicate the power of this approach, which provides continuous quantification of regional wall function in myocardial ischemia and during therapeutic interventions.
Cutting Edge: IL-1β Processing during Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection Is Mediated by Neutrophil Serine Proteases and Is Independent of NLRC4 and Caspase-1

To examine the role of caspase-1 and the NLRC4 inflammasome during bacterial infection, C57BL/6, IL-1β(-/-), caspase-1(-/-), and NLRC4(-/-) mouse corneas were infected with ExoS/T- or ExoU-expressing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We found that IL-1β was essential for neutrophil recruitment and bacterial clearance and was produced by myeloid cells rather than resident cells. In addition, neutrophils were found to be the primary source of mature IL-1β during infection, and there was no significant difference in IL-1β processing between C57BL/6 and caspase-1(-/-) or NLRC4(-/-) infected corneas. IL-1β cleavage by human and mouse neutrophils was blocked by serine protease inhibitors and was impaired in infected neutrophil elastase (NE)(-/-) corneas. NE(-/-) mice also had an impaired ability to clear the infection. Together, these results demonstrate that during P. aeruginosa infection, neutrophils are the primary source of mature IL-1β and that IL-1β processing is dependent on serine proteases and not NLRC4 or caspase-1.
CT of acute bowel ischemia.

Bowel ischemia may be caused by many conditions and manifest with typical or atypical and specific or nonspecific clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings. It may mimic various intestinal diseases and be confused with certain nonischemic conditions clinically and at computed tomography (CT). Bowel ischemia severity ranges from mild (generally transient superficial changes of intestinal mucosa) to more dangerous and potentially life-threatening transmural bowel wall necrosis. Causes of critically reduced blood flow to the bowel are diverse, ranging from occlusions of mesenteric arteries or veins to complicated bowel obstruction and overdistention. CT can demonstrate changes in ischemic bowel segments accurately, is often helpful in determining the primary cause of ischemia, and can demonstrate important coexistent findings or complications. Unfortunately, common CT findings in bowel ischemia are not specific, and specific findings are rather uncommon. Therefore, it often is a combination of nonspecifi...
Simple method for determining luminescence coupling in multi-junction solar cells

A method for determining the luminescence coupling between subcells in a multi-junction solar cell is presented. The method measures the luminescent intensity for various optically and electrically generated currents. The luminescence coupling can then be derived straightforwardly by pairing the electrically biased and optically biased currents at a given output intensity.
Polyethylene glycol as a phase transfer catalyst for aryldiazonium salt reactions

Abstract Poyethylene glycol 1000 may be substituted for 18-crown-6 in phase transfer catalyzed reactions of aryldiazonium salts.
A Test Of The Differential Information Hypothesis Explaining The Small Firm Effect

Previous research has shown that, on average, small firms earn higher risk-adjusted returns than large firms. So far there has been no satisfactory empirical explanation for this pricing anomaly. Theoretical research has shown that firms for which less information is available should, ceteris paribus, earn higher returns to compensate for estimation risk. Since, on average, less information is available for small firms, this is a possible explanation for the small firm effect. Using the number of articles in the Wall Street Journal as a measure of information availability, I find that the small firm effect can be entirely explained by differential information availability among firms.
Hemispheric Integration: An Essential Step For Coping With The Economic And Managerial Challenges Of The 21st Century In The Americas

This paper examines the series of adjustments that need to take place --at the macro and micro level-- in order for the Western Hemisphere to adapt to today’s dynamics of the global business environment. This discussion is based on the contention that given current trends in the global economy, it is imperative for the countries of the Western Hemisphere to integrate themselves in an economic bloc to exploit economies of scale and be better able to compete with other regions. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the implications that such an economic bloc will have on managers, organizations and their labor force, business alliances, and government/education/ business cooperation efforts.
A Reply to Nichols

While these claims are not all equally arbitrary, none of them seems particularly weighty or convincing. Taken in conjunction, as I will now try to show, they reveal Nichols' failure to understand what is at stake in my argument. Objection One. Nichols' gentle irony about the "obviousness" of the structural dissimilarity between modern society and the ancient city has a strategic function. It is meant to conceal the essentially controversial character of all general accounts of this dissimilarity. This, in turn, allows Nichols to play down the insufficiency of stating that ancient political principles are not immediately applicable to modern society. Contrary to what he suggests, it is necessary to supplement this sort of conventional recognition by analyzing why (and to what extent) these principles have become inapplicable. Objection Two. When he turns from irony to argument, in fact, Nichols admits the disputable and hence nontrivial character of my analysis (p. 131). He counters the suggestion that the structural differentiation of society has undermined the descriptive adequacy of Aristotle's whole/part schematization of the polity with the empirical claim that modern states can still be successfully analyzed as "wholes" made out of "parts." Although it is heartening to see Nichols make an empirical claim, it is disappointing that he makes such an implausible one. The complicated interdependence between the polity and other sectors of modern society does nothing to justify the wildly anachronistic notion that the political sphere can still be aptly depicted as a "totality" which contains individuals as subordinate "elements." To understand what is involved in the whole/part schema, it is helpful to recall Aristotle's striking comparison between the city and a chorus (Politics, 1276b 1-6). If a chorus switches "regime," so says Aristotle, if it changes from a
Urolithiasis in Children—Treatment and Prevention

The incidence of stones is increasing in children especially among Caucasian adolescents. Every child with stones deserves an evaluation because the majority has a diagnosable metabolic defect and 50 % will have a recurrence of stones. Diet, sedentary lifestyle, and climate change contribute to the changing frequency of stones. There is some evidence to support the following lifestyle changes: high fluid intake, low sugar intake, low sodium intake, higher plant protein intake and lower animal protein intake, normal calcium intake, high potassium citrate intake, moderate exercise, and reduced environmental temperature. Our challenge is to help our patients commit to and maintain a healthy lifestyle. After dietary influences, having a family member with nephrolithiasis poses the greatest risk. Identifying the underlying defect that permits stones to form in some members of the family will permit targeted therapy. For instance there is a “gain of function” mutation in the calcium-sensing receptor gene in families with autosomal dominant hypocalcemic hypercalciuria. Treating these patients with vitamin D to increase the blood calcium results in marked hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, and nephrolithiasis. Thus, the second challenge in addition to lifestyle changes is to identify the gene defects permitting stone formation.
Localized Moments of Very Dilute Iron Impurities in Metals from Mössbauer Effect Studies Over the Range 0.5° to 300°K

Susceptibility measurements of various alloys of the second row transition metals containing 1 % iron have demonstrated the presence of a localized moment on the iron atom having a magnitude of up to 12.7μ B (Bohr magnetons) in the neighborhood of palladium.1 Clogston et al. 1 further showed a good correlation between the average number of electrons n outside of the last closed shell of the host alloy and the observed localized moment; a smaller localized moment occurs in the neighborhood of molybdenum (n = 6) and is zero in regions 4 < n < 5.5 and 7 < n < 8.2. We have utilized the Mossbauer eflfect to determine the localized moment on very dilute 57Fe (generally less than 0.1%) in palladium,2 copper,3,† and several other elements reported here. Our method is to study the hyperfine spectra at the iron impurity nucleus as a function of applied magnetic field H and temperature T. The magnitude of the splitting determines an effective field H eff at the nucleus, a field composed of H plus an internal field H i, which is proportional to the time average of the atomic spin vector J on the iron atom.2
Abstract 13204: Re-Induction of Atrial Fibrillation Changes Electrogram and ECG Characteristics in Ablation Patients: Insights Using Novel Signal Analyses

Introduction: We analyzed electrograms (EGM) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at three time points during catheter ablation procedures in order to assess the changes that occur in AF signal cha...
Ort-trial and intertrial responding in eyelid conditioning as a function of US-intensity, percentage reinforcement, and the similarity between the CS and intertriai stimulus

192 human Ss received 96 conditioning trials in a factorial experiment which combined two levels of US-intensity, two percentages of reinforcement, and two levels of similarity between the CS and the intertrial stimulus (ITS). Percentage CRs was an increasing function of US-intensity and percentage reinforcement and a decreasing function of CS-ITS similarity, but the effects of these variables on intertrial responding were negligible.
Twelve Cases of Hiatal Hernia in Neonates

Objective To make hiatal hernia(HH) children grow and develop well by making correct early diagnosis and reducing misdiagnosis.Methods Reviewing clinical data of 12 patients with HH,including clinical character,X-ray diagnosis,correct examination,treatment and prognosis.Results Of 12 patients,9 cases were left HH,and 3 cases were right HH.All of them had internal expectant treatment;4 of them had operation.All of them had a good prognosis.Conclusions X-ray radiograph is a chief method of diagnosis of hiatal hernia.It is important to choose a specific position properly during radiograph examination.
In vivo myosin step-size from zebrafish skeletal muscle

Muscle myosins transduce ATP free energy into actin displacement to power contraction. In vivo , myosin side chains are modified post-translationally under native conditions, potentially impacting function. Single myosin detection provides the ‘bottom-up’ myosin characterization probing basic mechanisms without ambiguities inherent to ensemble observation. Macroscopic muscle physiological experimentation provides the definitive ‘top-down’ phenotype characterizations that are the concerns in translational medicine. In vivo single myosin detection in muscle from zebrafish embryo models for human muscle fulfils ambitions for both bottom-up and top-down experimentation. A photoactivatable green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged myosin light chain expressed in transgenic zebrafish skeletal muscle specifically modifies the myosin lever-arm. Strychnine induces the simultaneous contraction of the bilateral tail muscles in a live embryo, causing them to be isometric while active. Highly inclined thin illumination excites the GFP tag of single lever-arms and its super-resolution orientation is measured from an active isometric muscle over a time sequence covering many transduction cycles. Consecutive frame lever-arm angular displacement converts to step-size by its product with the estimated lever-arm length. About 17% of the active myosin steps that fall between 2 and 7 nm are implicated as powerstrokes because they are beyond displacements detected from either relaxed or ATP-depleted (rigor) muscle.
Phytosiderophore release from nodal, primary, and complete root systems in maize

Some maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids grown in high pH soil in Nebraska suffer from severely reduced yields caused by iron (Fe) deficiency chlorosis. Hybrids which recover from early season Fe-deficiency chlorosis and yield well are termed Fe-efficient or tolerant. Most Fe-efficient gramineous species respond to Fe-deficiency stress by releasing phytosiderophores (mugineic acid and its derivatives) into the rhizosphere, thereby increasing Fe availability and uptake of the Fe3+-phytosiderophore complex via a high affinity uptake system. Field-grown Fe-efficient maize recovers from Fe-deficiency chlorosis at a stage when nodal roots have become the dominant root system. Quantifying phytosiderophore release from hydroponically grown plants has been proposed as a viable alternative to time-consuming and variable field trials and has been used successfully to delineate among Fe-efficient and Fe-inefficient lines of oat (Avena sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Our objectives were (1) to determine if phytosiderophore release differed between nodal- and primary-root systems of maize, and (2) to compare phytosiderophore release from 12 hybrids. Root exudates secreted during daily 4-h collections were analyzed for their Fe-solubilizing ability, which was equated to phytosiderophore release. Nodal root systems released significantly more phytosiderophore than primary- or complete-root systems. In early experiments, an Fe-efficient hybrid (P3279) released more phytosiderophore from nodal roots than an Fe-inefficient hybrid (P3489). Tests of an additional 10 hybrids showed that phytosiderophore release varied significantly among the cultivars but did not clearly distinguish between hybrids classified as Fe-efficient or Fe-inefficient in individual company trials. We recommend using nodal roots when studying Fe-stress response mechanisms in maize.
Butyrate consumption of differentiated colonocytes in the upper crypt promotes homeostatic proliferation of stem and progenitor cells near the crypt base.

The mammalian intestinal tract epithelium is renewed every ~4–6 days, which is arguably the most rapidly turned over tissue in the body. Cellular turnover is facilitated by the intestinal epithelium being organized as crypts with highly proliferative stem cells and progenitor/transit-amplifying cells located near the crypt base and quiescent, terminally-differentiated cell types such as enterocytes, goblet cells, and enteroendocrine cells located above that undergo apoptosis and exfoliate into the lumen ( Figure 1A ). In recent years, tremendous progress has been made identifying Lgr5+ stem cells and crucial factors within the stem-cell niche such as Wnts, R-spondins, BMPs, Noggin, and the Notch pathway (1). This knowledge has been exploited to create 3D organoid culture systems that recapitulate the crypt with respect to stem cell renewal and their ability to give rise to descendants that represent each differentiated cell type.
Creating a library holding group: an approach to large system integration

Purpose: Faced with resource constraints, many hospital libraries have considered joint operations. This case study describes how Providence Health & Services created a single group to provide library services. Methods: Using a holding group model, staff worked to unify more than 6,100 nonlibrary subscriptions and 14 internal library sites. Results: Our library services grew by unifying 2,138 nonlibrary subscriptions and 11 library sites and hiring more library staff. We expanded access to 26,018 more patrons. Conclusions: A model with built-in flexibility allowed successful library expansion. Although challenges remain, this success points to a viable model of unified operations.
Abstract 1007: Elucidating a role for the translation initiation factor, eIF4G1, in resistance to therapy in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a highly invasive and aggressive breast cancer with relatively low survival rates compared with other locally advanced breast cancers. IBC is characterized by its rapid development of resistance to radio- and chemotherapies, which may in part be due to altered translational control driven by overexpression of the translation initiation factor, eIF4G1. This protein has been shown to enhance translation of eukaryotic mRNAs with internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) and enhanced translation in IBC may play a role in the survival of tumor cells during cellular stress, when translation would normally be suppressed. Some inhibitors of apoptosis proteins have 5′-untranslated regions (UTRs) that allow for IRES-mediated translation, and inhibition of apoptosis is one mechanism by which IBC cells have previously been shown to become resistant to therapy. Translational up-regulation of an inhibitor of apoptosis protein in therapy-resistant clones of IBC cell lines has been observed, which is of importance as the 5′UTR of such proteins contain highly active IRES elements. Regulation of such protein expression by eIF4G1-mediated IRES translation may be one reason for this observed therapeutic resistance. We knocked down eIF4G1 in a resistant IBC cell line (rSUM149) and assessed cellular viability after treatment with a powerful apoptosis inducer, TRAIL to evaluate the effect of targeted eIF4G1 knockdown on drug resistance in IBC. We observed that targeted knockdown of eIF4G1 sensitizes rSUM149 cells to TRAIL, significantly decreasing cellular viability. Additionally, using a novel culture system we show that inhibition of eIF4G1 expression decreases both the number of size of tumor emboli, a characteristic feature of IBC progression. These findings demonstrate a vital role for eIF4G1 for the development of therapeutic resistance and ultimately the aggressive pathobiology of IBC. Citation Format: Arianna Price, Courtney M. Edwards, Myron K. Evans, Gayathri Devi. Elucidating a role for the translation initiation factor, eIF4G1, in resistance to therapy in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1007. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1007
Arthroscopic Harvest of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells From the Infrapatellar Fat Pad.

Background:The successful isolation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) from the arthroscopically harvested infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) would provide orthopaedic surgeons with an autologous solution for regenerative procedures.Purpose:To demonstrate the quantity and viability of the mesenchymal stem cell population arthroscopically harvested from the IFP as well as the surrounding synovium.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:The posterior border of the IFP, including the surrounding synovial tissue, was harvested arthroscopically from patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Tissue was then collected in an AquaVage adipose canister, followed by fat fractionization using syringe emulsification and concentration with an AdiPrep device. In the laboratory, the layers of tissue were separated and then digested with 0.3% type I collagenase. The pelleted stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells were then immediately analyzed for viability, mesenchymal cell surface m...
Imitation: A Review and Critique

Imitation in nonprimates is reviewed along theoretical and experimental lines. Difficulties with definitions and classifications of imitative phenomena are noted. The history of the topic is considered in terms of three basic paradigms: (1) early comparative psychology, (2) S-R/reinforcement learning theory, and (3) classical ethology. The current status of work on bird vocalization (“vocal imitation” and “vocal mimicry”), “social facilitation,” and “observational learning” is evaluated. It is concluded that an inductive approach is needed in the study of imitative behavior, starting with the selection of reliably observed, naturally occurring imitative phenomena, followed by appropriate experimental analyses of the various determinants of each phenomenon.
Towards the use of breath for detecting mycobacterial infection: A case study in a murine model

In the present research, the potential of breath analysis by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS) was investigated for the discrimination between healthy and infected mice. A pilot study employing a total of 16 animals was used to develop a method for breath analysis in a murine model for studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) using the M. bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin. Breath was collected in Tedlar bags and concentrated onto thermal desorption tubes for subsequent analysis by GC×GC-MS. Immunological test and bacterial cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and mice lung homogenate confirmed the presence of bacteria in the infected group. From the GC×GC-MS analysis, 23 molecules were found to mainly drive the separation between control and infected mice and their tentative identification is provided.This study shows that the overall used methodology is able to differentiate breath between healthy and infected animals, and the information herein can be used to further develop the mouse breath model to study MTBC pathogenesis, evaluate pre-clinical drug regimen efficacy, and to further develop the concept of breath-based diagnostics.
The Labor Market and Terrorism

Using six years of data (2011–16) drawn from the Global Terrorism Database and from other sources for 127 countries, a pooled cross-sectional time-series research design is employed to investigate ...
A Conceptual Model of Dyadic Coordination in HIV Care Engagement Among Couples of Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Qualitative Dyadic Analysis.

Among Black men who have sex with men (MSM), HIV incidence is disproportionately high and HIV care engagement is disproportionately low. There may be important opportunities to leverage the primary relationship to improve engagement in HIV care and treatment among Black MSM couples. Using dyadic qualitative analysis of semi-structured, one-on-one interviews, we explored dyadic aspects of HIV care engagement among 14 Black MSM couples in which at least one partner was HIV-positive and identified as a Black cisgender man. Findings showed that men varied in how involved they were in their HIV-positive partner’s care and treatment, and in how they reciprocated their partner’s involvement. Patterns of dyadic HIV care engagement supported a conceptual model of dyadic coordination that describes Black MSM relationships in terms of two conceptual dimensions of dyadic HIV care engagement, and guides future intervention designs with Black MSM couples.
A Cyclic and Multiple Agree account

In this paper we propose that probe-goal relations are subject to greater variation than expected, such that both Cyclic Agree and Multiple Agree are possible not only typologically, but also within a single language and a single probe. Cheyenne (Algonquian) has two ways of marking 1st and 2nd person plurality and their conditioning differs between transitives and ditransitives. We propose a hybrid account of agree in order to account for this person/number marking which includes elements of both Cyclic Agree (potentially two probing cycles) and Multiple Agree (multiple simultaneous goals in the first cycle). Evidence against a pure Cyclic Agree account comes from the absence of bleeding effects in transitive forms, which indicates that probing is not always successive cyclic. Evidence against a pure Multiple Agree account comes from the presence of bleeding effects in ditransitive forms, which indicates that all arguments are not always simultaneously probed. Support comes from the properties of other probes in Algonquian and similarities with agreement patterns in other languages, such as Hungarian and Southern Tiwa.
Interaction oft alleles at theT locus in the house mouse

Mehrfach wurde gezeigt, dass zwei rezessive letale Allele in der Hausmaus (to undt1) lebensfahige normale Tiere in heterozygoter Kombinationt0/t1 produzieren. Neuere Daten machen wahrscheinlich, dass dast1-Allel mutativ abanderte, so dass sowohl seine homozygote Wirkung als auch die Zusammenwirkung mitt0 beeinflusst worden ist. Hingegen sind Kombinationen vont0 und dem neuen Allel nicht mehr lebensfahig, und Homozygote sterben erst nach der Implantation.
Photolabeling of the Enzymes of the 2-5A Synthetase/RNase L/p68 Kinase Antiviral Systems with Azido Probes

This review describes approaches to the photoaffinity labeling of 2′,5′-oligoadenylate (2-5A) synthetase, RNase L, and p68 kinase employing azido probes with photolabile groups on carbon-2 or carbon-8 of adenine or inosine nucleotides. The covalent cross-linking of 2- or 8-azidoATP to 2-5A synthetase, 2- and 8-azido analogs of 2-5A to RNase L, and azido dsRNAs to 2-5A synthetase and p68 kinase is described. In addition, the newly discovered role of the 2-5A molecule as an inhibitor of HIV-l reverse transcriptase (RT) is discussed.
Diazepam kinetics in acute alcohol withdrawal

We performed a within-subject comparison of the kinetics of diazepam given to 7 alcoholic subjects during acute alcohol withdrawal and again after detoxification. The initial rapid exponential decline of plasma diazepam concentrations (t1/2 alpha) was more rapid during (0.21 +/- 0.03 hr) than after withdrawal (0.44 +/- 0.14 hr, p less than 0.05). Terminal t1/2, clearance, and volumes of distribution changed in individual patients, but mean values did not change. Protein binding was less in patients (93.4 +/- 2.4%) than in healthy controls (97.0 +/- 1.0, p less than 0.05). The effects of alcohol withdrawal on diazepam disposition do not explain the high doses of diazepam commonly required to treat the withdrawal.
System Dynamics at the Physiological and Tumour Level

Cancers are complex dynamical systems dominated by non-linear processes. As a result, most critical system parameters exhibit significant temporal and spatial heterogeneity. This variability, while critical to the ability of cancers to adapt to a wide range of environmental perturbations including therapy, tends to be lost in molecular-level data which is typically an ‘average’ value for large numbers of heterogeneous tumour cells obtained at a single time point. The role of mathematical modelling in cancers at a tumour level is to identify the first principles that govern tumour growth, invasion, metastases, and response to therapy. Tumour biologists and oncologists often dismiss quantitative methods with the statement that cancer is ‘too complex’ for mathematical modelling. In fact, lessons from the history of physical sciences demonstrate that the opposite is true. While complex systems may be difficult to model, they are impossible to understand intuitively. Biologically realistic mathematical models are necessary to transform the reductionist approach of modern cancer biology into comprehensive models of the host-cancer interactions that govern the dynamics of tumour growth and therapy.
Changes in healthcare expenditures after the autism insurance mandate

Abstract Background In recent years, most U.S. states have passed autism mandates requiring private insurers to cover autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Little is known about the post-mandate changes in healthcare expenditures. Method This study utilized 2006–2012 de-identified insurance claims data from the largest private insurer in Pennsylvania (PA), where the mandate went into effect in mid 2009. Healthcare expenditures were defined as the amount the insurer paid for healthcare services and were adjusted to 2012 price level. A mixed effects model was used to analyze the expenditures. Results A total of 9471 children with ASD were included. Although the pre-mandate total expenditures per child with ASD were similar, the post-mandate expenditures significantly increased for groups subject to the autism mandate (87% increase from $7754 in 2008 to $14,486 in 2010) compared to the exempt groups (27% increase from $7238 to $9171). By insurance type, the change from 2008 to 2010 in ASD-related expenditures per child with ASD was $8439 for fully insured large employer sponsored plans and $43 for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), both subject to the PA mandate; and $2631 for the self-insured, $980 for small-employers, and $-92 for individual plans, all of which are exempt from the mandate. These increases were due to outpatient services but not inpatient or drug costs. Conclusions Healthcare expenditures increased significantly following the PA autism mandate. Nonexempt, large employer groups had the largest increase in spending. Some exempt, self-insured companies may have voluntarily covered ASD services, leading to a moderate increase.
Proteomic analysis of baboon cerebral artery reveals potential pathways of damage by prenatal alcohol exposure

Alcohol is one of the most widely misused substances in the world. Alcohol consumption by pregnant women often results in an array of fetal developmental abnormalities, but the damage to the fetus by alcohol remains poorly understood. The limited knowledge regarding the molecular targets of alcohol in the developing fetus constitutes one of the major obstacles in developing effective pharmacological interventions that could prevent fetal damage after alcohol consumption by pregnant women. The fetal cerebral artery is emerging as an important mediator of fetal cerebral damage by maternal alcohol drinking. In the present work, we conduct proteomics analysis of cerebral (basilar) artery lysates of near-term fetal baboons to search for protein targets of fetal alcohol exposure. Our study demonstrates that 3 episodes of binge alcohol exposure during the second trimester-equivalent of human pregnancy are sufficient to render profound changes in fetal cerebral artery proteome. These changes persisted, as they were detected in near-term fetuses. In particular, the relative abundance of 238 proteins differed significantly between control and alcohol-exposed fetuses. Enrichment analysis pointed at the group of metabolic activity proteins as a major class targeted by alcohol. Western blotting confirmed upregulation of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 6 family member A1 (ALDH6A1) in cerebral artery lysates from alcohol-exposed fetuses. This upregulation translated to greater ALDH activity of cerebral artery lysate of near-term fetuses following prenatal alcohol exposure when compared with controls.
Disentangling chat

When multiple conversations occur simultaneously, a listener must decide which conversation each utterance is part of in order to interpret and respond to it appropriately. We refer to this task as disentanglement. We present a corpus of Internet Relay Chat dialogue in which the various conversations have been manually disentangled, and evaluate annotator reliability. We propose a graph-based clustering model for disentanglement, using lexical, timing, and discourse-based features. The model's predicted disentanglements are highly correlated with manual annotations. We conclude by discussing two extensions to the model, specificity tuning and conversation start detection, both of which are promising but do not currently yield practical improvements.
Continuous Improvement Maturity Models: How to View Them Effectively

Maturity models seek to enhance a business with the passage of time. The purpose is to attain a competitive advantage. Various maturity models are accessible, including the continuous improvement maturity model (CIMM). The model offers outstanding techniques and practice models in addition to tools, skill sets, and a proper mindset to process improvement. This article analyzes the need for Continuous Improvement Maturity Models in a company. Hence, the current maturity of a company cannot be indicated by this model. There is a need for progress and knowledge to combine and improve the company's level of maturity. The model assessment refers to an instrument that is research-based and assists the users to set a goal assessment of the maturity level. The purpose of designing this model is for it to be utilized by any manufacturing company. A series of repetitive phases are required by this instrument, and its moderations and validation are based on various case-studies and semi-structured interviews conducted with experts.
Optimal PMU Placement Using Stochastic Methods

Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) collect high-precision voltage and current data in order to monitor the performance of a power system. However, it is expensive to implement PMUs on every bus within a power system. Optimal PMU placement (OPP) becomes necessary to minimize the number of PMUs implemented while maintaining full observability of the network. This paper considers the resiliency of bus connections when optimizing PMU placement. First, a graphical and mathematical model is developed. Next, techniques from chance constrained programming are adapted to create a stochastic model in which N-1 contingency is considered. Finally, by applying stochastic programming techniques, the model is tested with the IEEE 1996 Reliability Test System.
Diverse roles of phosphatidate phosphatases in insect development and metabolism

The conversion of the glycerophospholipid phosphatidic acid (PA) into diacylglycerol (DAG) is essential for the biosynthesis of membrane phospholipids and storage fats. Importantly, both PA and DAG can also serve signaling functions in the cell. The dephosphorylation of PA that yields DAG can be executed by two different classes of enzymes, Mg2+-dependent lipins and Mg2+-independent lipid phosphate phosphatases. Here, I will discuss the current status of research directed at understanding the roles of these enzymes in insect development and metabolism. Special emphasis will be given to studies in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster.
Myth-Busting With Infographics: Do Creative Assignments Help Students Learn?:

Belief in psychological misconceptions has potential repercussions for both students and potentially society as a whole. We present a creative and engaging myth refutation assignment that uses an i...
Heterometallic Second-Row Transition Metal Chain Compounds in Two Charge States: Syntheses, Properties, and Electronic Structures of [Mo–Mo–Ru]6+/7+ Chains

Reaction of Mo2(dpa)4 (dpa = 2,2'-dipyridylamido) with (1)/2 equiv of [Ru(CO)3Cl2]2 in molten naphthalene at 250 °C provides facile access to the first all-second-row transition metal heterometallic chain compound, MoMoRu(dpa)4Cl2 (1). The one-electron oxidized compound [MoMoRu(dpa)4Cl2](OTf) (2) is synthesized by reaction of 1 with FeCp2(OTf). X-ray crystallography reveals a contraction of the Mo-Ru bond distance from 2.38 A in 1 to 2.30 A in 2, and an elongation of the Mo-Mo bond distance from 2.12 A in 1 to 2.21 A in 2. The short Mo-Ru bond distances indicate significant electron delocalization along the Mo-Mo-Ru chain, which is quantified by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Molecular orbital analyses of both compounds based on DFT results reveal full delocalization of the orbitals of σ and π symmetry for both compounds. Additionally, δ orbital delocalization is observed in 2.
The nurse’s role in the care of a child with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a general term for a group of inflammatory conditions that include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis. All these conditions are treatable and, with treatment, most patients are able to lead a normal lifestyle. Nevertheless, life with IBD does entail certain complications. The periods of remission, alternating with active periods, provide a feeling of health and equality with schoolmates and friends at one moment and feeling unwell and not in harmony with the environment at another. Children can get a feeling that they cannot control their disease and their life – and if they fail to understand these changes, together with their family and friends, it can make it more difficult for them to express their feelings. A nurse plays an important role when nursing a child with IBD and educating the family about healthcare. This starts upon the first admission to the hospital and lasts throughout the treatment. The nurse seeks to establish an empathic relationship with the child and the parents, discussing with them the disease, its symptoms, possible complications, treatment methods, dietary treatment and a changed lifestyle due to the disease. The nurse also takes part in the implementation of diagnostic and therapeutic tests and procedures that are indispensable when treating children with gastrointestinal disorders. The nurse’s role is an active one, which means that she motivates the child to cooperate in the test. Good implementation of the test largely depends on the professionalism exhibited by the nurse, who should know how to motivate and lead the child through the test. Frequently, this is the most demanding task for the nurse.