cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conjugation in three dimensions to enhance NLO susceptibilities

We show, using AMPAC (Semichem, Inc.) AMI calculations of extended cyclophane structures that the third order polarization displays significant large magnitude negative Finite-Field (gamma) (0)s. Magnitudes as large as -85,000 X 10 -36 esu are calculated. Anticipated significant linear loss issues are not addressed, though no effort has yet been made to optimize ether for maximum magnitude (gamma) or minimum magnitude linear loss structure. It is expected that such a systematic theoretical and experimental optimization of molecules should lead to materials possessing unprecedented magnitudes of (gamma) , and possibly with sufficiently low loss to be practical.
Robotic sleeve gastrectomy: experience of 134 cases and comparison with a systematic review of the laparoscopic approach.

Background Robotic technology has recently emerged in different surgical specialties, but the experience with robotic sleeve gastrectomy (RSG) is scarce in the literature. The purpose of this study is to compare our preliminary experience with RSG versus the descriptive results of a systematic review of the laparoscopic approach.
Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Scientific Foundations and Therapeutic Models, edited by J. D. Ford and C. A. Courtois

To complement their edited volume on treating complex traumatic stress disorders (CTSDs) in adults (Courtois & Ford, 2009), editors Julian D. Ford and Christine A. Courtois take on the hefty task o...
An engineering approach for the prediction of wear in mixed lubricated contacts

Abstract The continuum damage mechanics (CDM) approach in conjunction with the load sharing concept is applied to predict steady state lubricated line-contact wear. Empirical formula for the maximum contact pressure in dry rough contact is employed together with the lubricant film thickness equation to estimate the portions of the load carried by the asperities and the lubricant. Effect of contact temperature on wear is also included using a simplified thermo-elastohydrodynamic analysis in conjunction with fractional film defect concept. While most wear models require experimental calibration, current study attempts to predict wear purely based on numerical simulation. The proposed methodology is quite fast and easy to implement for practical engineering applications. Comparison of numerical calculations with available experimental wear data show very good agreement.
Constitutive Overexpression of the Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Nex1/MATH-2 Transcription Factor Promotes Neuronal Differentiation of PC12 Cells and Neurite Regeneration

Elucidation of the intricate transcriptional pathways leading to neural differentiation and the establishment of neuronal identity is critical to the understanding and design of therapeutic approaches. Among the important players, the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors have been found to be pivotal regulators of neurogenesis. In this study, we investigate the role of the bHLH differentiation factor Nex1/MATH-2 in conjunction with the nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling pathway using the rat phenochromocytoma PC12 cell line. We report that the expression of Nex1 protein is induced after 5 hr of NGF treatment and reaches maximal levels at 24 hr, when very few PC12 cells have begun extending neurites and ceased cell division. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that Nex1 has the ability to trigger neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells in the absence of neurotrophic factor. We show that Nex1 plays an important role in neurite outgrowth and has the capacity to regenerate neurite outgrowth in the absence of NGF. These results are corroborated by the fact that Nex1 targets a repertoire of distinct types of genes associated with neuronal differentiation, such as GAP-43, βIII-tubulin, and NeuroD. In addition, our findings show that Nex1 up-regulates the expression of the mitotic inhibitor p21WAF1, thus linking neuronal differentiation to cell cycle withdrawal. Finally, our studies show that overexpression of a Nex1 mutant has the ability to block the execution of NGF-induced differentiation program, suggesting that Nex1 may be an important effector of the NGF signaling pathway.
Effect of Shape, Size, and Aspect Ratio on Nanoparticle Penetration and Distribution inside Solid Tissues Using 3D Spheroid Models

Efficient penetration and uniform distribution of nanoparticles (NPs) inside solid tissues and tumors is paramount to their therapeutic and diagnostic success. While many studies have reported the effect of NP size and charge on intratissue distribution, role of shape, and aspect ratio on NP transport inside solid tissues remain unclear. Here experimental and theoretical studies are reported on how nanoscale geometry of Jet and Flash Imprint Lithography-fabricated, polyethylene-glycol-based anionic nanohydrogels affect their penetration and distribution inside 3D spheroids, a model representing the intervascular region of solid, tumor-like tissues. Unexpectedly, low aspect ratio cylindrical NPs (H/D ≈0.3; disk-like particles, 100 nm height, and 325 nm diameter) show maximal intratissue delivery (>50% increase in total cargo delivered) and more uniform penetration compared to nanorods or smaller NPs of the same shape. This is in contrast to spherical NPs where smaller NP size resulted in deeper, more uniform penetration. Our results provide fundamental new knowledge on NP transport inside solid tissues and further establish shape and aspect ratio as important design parameters in developing more efficient, better penetrating, nanocarriers for drug, or contrast-agent delivery.
Generalization of Selective Harmonic Control/Elimination

Previous work on selective harmonic elimination/control has made fundamental assumptions that enforce output waveform quarter- or half-wave symmetry, presumably in order to reduce the complexity of the resulting equations. However, the quarter- or half-wave symmetric assumption is not required and it restricts the solution space, which can result in sub-optimal solutions with regard to the uncontrolled harmonic distribution. More general formulations can be proposed which have varying degrees of additional complexity. In order to understand how these more general formulations can be obtained, a qualitative description of the waveform construction process for the two-level waveform case is discussed followed by presentation of the resulting system of equations. This two-level case is then generalized to the m-level, n-harmonic control problem. Finally, this generalization is used to analyze three-level waveforms. All solutions presented in this paper are unattainable utilizing previous techniques
Femtosecond Laser-Induced Simultaneous Surface Texturing and Crystallization of a-Si:H Thin Film: Absorption and Crystallinity

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin films have been considered for use in solar cell applications because of their significantly reduced cost. Their overall efficiency and stability, however, are less than that of their bulk crystalline counterparts. Limited work has been performed on solving the efficiency and stability issues of a-Si:H simultaneously. In this study, both surface texturing and crystallization on a-Si:H thin film are achieved through one-step femtosecond laser processing. The nanoscale conical and pillar-shaped spikes formed on the surface of a-Si:H films by femtosecond laser irradiation in both air and water are presented and enhanced light absorption is observed due to light trapping based on surface geometry changes, while the formation of a mixture of hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) and a-Si:H after crystallization suggests that the overall material stability can potentially be increased. The relationship among crystallinity, fluence, and scan speed is also discussed. Furthermore, a comparison of absorptance spectra for various surface morphologies is developed. Finally, the absorptance measurement across the solar spectrum shows that the combination of surface texturing and crystallization induced by femtosecond laser processing is very promising for a-Si:H thin film solar cell applications. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4006548]
Cellular response to force application at craniofacial sutures.

Objectives To provide a comprehensive review of the literature describing research done on the responses of suture cells to force application in vitro and in vivo. Design and results This review outlines the types of forces that can be applied, methods of applying the forces, the sutures used in experiments, and the changes in morphology, molecular biology (gene and protein expression), and cell biology (proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis) in response to these forces. Conclusion The molecular response of sutures to force needs to be further investigated as these molecules can be used to enhance the way in which craniofacial sutures respond to mechanical force during orthopedic-orthodontic treatment.
Selecting a noninvasive imaging study after an inconclusive exercise test.

Case presentation: A 56-year-old woman with obesity and dyslipidemia was referred for an exercise treadmill test to evaluate atypical chest pain. She exercised for 5 minutes 30 seconds (7 metabolic equivalents) on a standard Bruce protocol and stopped because of fatigue. Her heart rate increased from 82 to 148 bpm (90% of maximal predicted heart rate), and her blood pressure increased from 136/82 to 165/80 mm Hg. During the test, she developed 1-mm horizontal ST depressions in the inferolateral leads that resolved by 30 seconds into recovery. How should this patient be managed? Exercise treadmill testing (ETT) is an excellent initial test for the evaluation of patients with known or suspected cardiovascular disease who are able to exercise and have a normal baseline ECG. This safe and inexpensive test can be used to obtain information on functional capacity and the symptomatic, hemodynamic, and ECG responses to exercise. Although ETT provides valuable prognostic and diagnostic information, inconclusive test results are common (Table 1) and can lead to uncertainty about the likelihood of flow-limiting coronary artery disease. In such scenarios, further testing may be useful to improve diagnostic certainty and to refine risk assessment (the Figure).1 In some instances, the choice of testing will depend on the availability and expertise of the institution. However, several different types of testing are often available from which the clinician can choose. Although in many cases the available literature cannot be used to definitively recommend one particular modality over another, understanding the fundamental differences in data provided by each examination and the strengths and limitations of the various available techniques can be useful in guiding the choice of further testing. This Clinician Update describes the different available noninvasive tests that can be performed after an inconclusive ETT and focuses on patient factors that are …
Linear Discriminant Analysis for Signatures

We propose signature linear discriminant analysis (signature-LDA) as an extension of LDA that can be applied to signatures, which are known to be more informative representations of local image features than vector representations, such as visual word histograms. Based on earth mover's distances between signatures, signature-LDA does not require vectorization of local image features in contrast to LDA, which is one of the main limitations of classical LDA. Therefore, signature-LDA minimizes the loss of intrinsic information of local image features while selecting more discriminating features using label information. Empirical evidence on texture databases shows that signature-LDA improves upon state-of-the-art approaches for texture image classification and outperforms other feature selection methods for local image features.
Secured Bilateral Rendezvous using self interference cancellation in wireless networks

Secure transmission among mobile nodes in hostile environments has often been achieved by trading off security with communication latency. However, in time critical applications (e.g., tactical wireless networks, civilian law enforcement operations, homeland security missions, etc.), latency is more critical than any other parameters. Long latency is generally attributed to the time required by authentication in the presence of eavesdroppers and jammers. To address the latency issue, this paper proposes a Secured Bilateral Rendezvous (SBR) protocol that reduces the communication latency while guaranteeing protection. SBR performs neighbor detection before authentication. During detection, nodes exchange a common secret key in plaintext that helps speed up the authentication process. The plaintext message is protected against jammers by allowing nodes to transmit simultaneously and to recover the partner's packets using self interference cancellation technique. Simulation results show that the proposed SBR protocol can effectively withstand various jamming attacks.
Pustular tinea pedis

Pustules are uncommon in tinea pedis and may suggest a bacterial infection. We describe a patient with large pustules on his feet that contained hyphae on Gram's stain of the pus and on a potassium hydroxide preparation of the pustule roof. Cultures were negative for bacteria, but grew Trichophyton rubrum.
Substituent effects on (15)N and (13)C NMR chemical shifts of 5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxathiazol-2-ones: a theoretical and spectroscopic study.

The synthesis and assignment of 15N and 13C NMR signals of the 1,3,4-oxathiazol-2-one ring in a series of para-substituted 5-phenyl derivatives are reported. DFT calculations of 15N and 13C chemical shifts correspond closely to observed values. Substituent effects are interpreted in terms of the Hammett correlation and calculated bond orders. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short-term post-release mortality of skates (family Rajidae) discarded in a western North Atlantic commercial otter trawl fishery

a b s t r a c t Due to market and regulatory factors, Rajidae skates are routinely discarded by commercial otter trawlers in the western North Atlantic. Accounting for post-release mortality is therefore essential to total fishing mortality estimates, stock status and management of this group of fishes. However, despite a presumed species-specific range in tolerance, few studies have investigated the short-term post-release mortality among skates indigenous to the western North Atlantic following capture by mobile fishing gears, and never in the Gulf of Maine. This study addresses this shortfall for the prohibited thorny skate, Amblyraja radiate and smooth skate, Malacoraja senta, and the targeted winter skate, Leucoraja ocellata, and little skate, Leucoraja erinacea. Of 1288 skates evaluated, negligible immediate mortality was observed at the time of capture, even in relation to the largest catches and/or most prolonged tows. However, injury frequency was moderate, with highest levels in the smooth (60%) and thorny (52%) skates. Aside from the smooth skate (59%), 72 h mortality rates were low overall (19% across all species when accounting tow durations indicative of the fishery), with the winter skate (8%) exhibiting the lowest levels. Logis- tic regression modeling revealed tow duration as the most universal predictor of condition and 72 h mortality, while catch biomass, sex, temperature changes, and animal size also held influence in certain species. Although in general the studied species appear more resilient to trawl capture and handling than previously estimated, interspecific differences must be accounted for when managing this group. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
What Do Americans Really Want to Know? Tracking the Behavior of News Readers on the Internet

Evaluations of the health of contemporary political systems typically include some discussion of the modes through which people acquire public affairs information. In response to survey questions, Americans often profess an interest in current events news, but assessments of citizens' political knowledge often find them wanting. Unfortunately, the limitations of previously available research methods have left researchers with an incomplete understanding of news audiences and their exposure patterns. Widespread adoption of the Internet for news reading may change that situation. The World Wide Web provides audiences with substantially more control over the news selection process than they enjoyed with the traditional media. With that enhanced control, it appears online readers are particularly likely to pursue their own interests, and they are less likely to follow the cues of news editors and producers. The present study takes advantage of this attribute of online news presentation to examine the topics people select at Web-based news outlets. In general, online news audiences choose to read public affairs news less frequently than survey research suggests. This result has implications for the long-term health of democratic nations.
High-Frame-Rate Reconstruction of a Dynamic 2-D Scene From Continuous Orthogonal Projections

We present a method for high-frame-rate reconstruction of a dynamic 2-D scene from two effectively continuous orthogonal projections. A natural application of this technique is in the high-speed imaging of transient luminous events-e.g., sprites, elves, gigantic jets, blue jets-in the Earth's atmosphere, where 1-D multianode photometers are used to improve temporal resolution and optical sensitivity over that offered by traditional video cameras. To characterize the performance of the method, we use sprite-image sequences to produce multicolumn and multirow projection data and then use the projection data to produce 2-D ldquoreconstructedrdquo sprite images at the projection data frame rate to compare with the original sprite-image sequence. We also test the performance limits and the spatial resolution of the algorithm using artificially constructed dynamic images.
Modifications on Translation Initiation

Two studies by Meyer et al. and Wang et al. demonstrate a role for m(6)A modification of mRNA in stimulating translation initiation. These findings add to the growing number of diverse mechanisms for translation initiation in eukaryotes.
Testing Periodicity of Depositional Cyclicity, Cisco Group (Virgilian and Wolfcampian), Texas

ABSTRACT Periodicities of 15 cyclic sections of the Cisco Group are tested through gamma and spectral analyses. The sections are composed of marine and nonmarine carbonate and siliciclastic rocks deposited on the Eastern Shelf, north-central Texas, in Late Pennsylvanian and Early Permian time. Gamma analysis generates facies-dependent thickness-time conversion factors ('s) to construct -corrected time series, which are more realistic than the uncorrected series obtained by proportional conversion. Positive and stable 's and improved resolution of the corrected spectra indicate successful tuning. On the Cisco spectra, a short-eccentricity peak (95-131 ky) is the most prominent and persistent; long-eccentricity (413 ky) and obliquity (34 and 43 ky) peaks are persistent, and precessional index peaks (17 and 21 ky) are less persistent. A persistent peak of period 50-80 ky may be a combination tone between obliquity and precessional index cycles. Non-Milankovitch peaks are sporadic. The validity of gamma and spectral results is indicated by consistent -estimated ages among the Cisco sections and reasonable effective sedimentation rates calculated on the basis of Milankovitch spectral calibrations. The results, combined with geologic evidence, suggest that the Cisco cyclicity was controlled dominantly by Milankovitch climatic forcing.
Ultrasonic Atomic Force Microscopy on Spray Dried Ceramic Powder

Spray-dried ceramic powders (e.g., Al2O3) are composed of a plurality of granules, each of which includes ceramic particles and organic binders. It is assumed that the binders become concentrated in the surface layer of the granule in accordance with its type or its volume mixed into a ceramic portion of the granule. However, evidence to prove the assumption was limited because conventional microscopes were not able to clearly visualize the segregation. This paper presents a technique for imaging detailed structure of the spray-dried ceramic powders with the ultrasonic-atomic force microscope (UAFM). The distribution of binder vis-a-vis Al2O3> particles is highly resolved with good contrast. The distribution was confirmed by nano-indentation. Thus, the U-AFM is shown to be a useful diagnostic tool for the development of approaches to spray-dried process evaluation.
INVESTIGATION ON THE CONDITIONS OF STRAIN- INDUCED FERRITE TRANSFORMATION OF LOW CARBON STEEL

By using Gleeble 1500 thermomechanical simulator the samples of low carbon steel were deformed at different temperatures and then quenched immediately by automatically dropping into water. The results indicate that the ferrite morphology changes at certain temperature when the deformation temperature decreased. From the experimental results of dilation-temperature curves during cooling process, the upper limit temperature of strain-induced transformation (SIT) Ad3 under present conditions is about 830℃. In addition, the critical cooling rate of preventing ferrite precipitation during cooling process is determined to be about 400℃/s by using spurting water quenched method. Using this method, the Ad3 is also determined. The mechanism and thermodynamic conditions of SIT were discussed.
El pasado nacional como narrativa de ficción o la historia es una telenovela

Este articulo discute el proceso de ficcionalizacion que ocurre en la confeccion de narrativas del pasado colectivo en las telenovelas historicas mexicanas de los ochenta y noventa, subrayando las convergencias estructurales entre la elaboracion de un texto no ficcional y la telenovela tradicional. Considerando el potencial y, al mismo tiempo, las limitaciones del genero, la telenovela historica se erige como conexion renovada y significativa del pasado con el espectador que nos apremia a repensar nuestros conceptos de ‘historia’ y de ‘ficcion’; que llama nuestra atencion sobre las complicaciones de estructurar en un relato hechos y personajes del pasado; y, que nos exhorta a reflexionar sobre las maneras en que se han construido y diseminado versiones previas de la historia de Mexico.
Single-step organic vapor phase sulfurization synthesis of p-SnS photo-absorber for graded band-gap thin film heterojunction solar cells with n-ZnO1-x Sx

Tin sulfide has emerged as a promising solar absorber among the IV-VI binary compound which is earth-abundant and non-toxic. This research provides a new perspective on synthesis of photosensitive monophasic SnS films by organic chemical vapor sulfurization of Sn thin film. S-radicals formed by closed space pyrolysis of di-tert-butyl disulfide (TBDS) diffusively react with Sn to produce SnS film. SnS being an amphoteric semiconductor converts to n-type by trivalent Sb and Bi dopants. The organic vapor sulfurization method described in this research facilitates single-step synthesis of buried junction structures and thus SnS solar cells in a p-n homojunction or p-i-n structures. In this work, vacuum evaporated Sn thin film with a thickness of 100 nm, was converted to SnS by sulfurization under 100 sccm flow of TBDS vapor preheated to 100°C and structural phase evolution and film growth kinetics were investigated for sulfurization at 200°C, 300°C and 400°C for a periods 90 min. X-ray diffraction studies establish single phase highly crystalline film in orthorhombic crystal structure forms at 200°C. Raman scattering results confirm SnS formation with the identification of 2Ag, 2B2g optical phonons modes. Optical bandgap studies confirm a low energy 1.1-1.4 eV indirect bandgap and a strong absorption threshold between 1.4 to 1.6 eV direct band gap depending on the sulfurization conditions correlating with intrinsic defects and phase structure of the film.
On the Relation and Difference Between Law of Criticism and Law of Racialism Criticism

Influenced by the postmodernism philosophy of the 20th century,the criticism school has become an important school of postmodernism law.This paper analyzes the relation and difference between law of criticism and law of racialism criticism,both of which belong to the criticism school.
Experiential Learning Potential as a Function of Psychological Predispositions and Demographic Variables

This paper addresses experiential learning as a function of psy-chological predispositions and demographic variables. Litera-ture is lacking in these areas and factors have not been consid-ered in the research of experiential learning. We include an analysis of psychological factors such as regulatory focus, lo-cus of control, tolerance for ambiguity, need for structure, and narcissism and consider how these factors impact demographic variables in the context of experiential learning. Based on the literature and the logic that we provide, we suggest several are-as for future research, as well as providing propositions that we believe will uphold pending future research.
At What Time Does a Quantum Experiment Have a Result

This paper provides a general method for defining a generalized quantum observable (or POVM) that supplies properly normalized conditional probabilities for the time of occurrence (i.e., of detection). This method treats the time of occurrence as a probabilistic variable whose value is to be determined by experiment and predicted by the Born rule. This avoids the problematic assumption that a question about the time at which an event occurs must be answered through instantaneous measurements of a projector by an observer, common to both Rovelli [22] and Oppenheim et al. [17]. I also address the interpretation of experiments purporting to demonstrate the quantum Zeno effect, used by Oppenheim et al. [17] to justify an inherent uncertainty for measurements of times.
A long game: Racing random walkers

In this paper we analyse a game that was published in the 1996 Burger King Kid’s Club calendar. This calendar included an activity for each month, and for the month of September the activity was called the Mountain Bike Rally. To begin the game, each player places a marker on day 1. A turn consists of each player flipping a fair coin. Each player whose coin comes up heads moves his marker forward one day. If a player’s coin shows tails, then he moves his marker back one day, unless his marker is on day 1, in which case it stays there. The object is to be the first player to reach square 31. We never played the game because it was clear that it would take a long time to complete.
Capillary growth and geometry during long-term hypertension and myocardial hypertrophy in dogs.

Angiogenic response of the myocardial capillary bed to long-term (7 mo) renovascular hypertension (one-kidney, one-clip) was assessed in eight mongrel dogs and compared with seven control dogs. Ima...
Arsenic and skin cancer in the USA: the current evidence regarding arsenic‐contaminated drinking water

Background Studies carried out in developing countries, such as Bangladesh and Taiwan, have reported an association between exposure to arsenic in drinking water and increased rates of non-melanoma skin cancer. However, it is unclear whether this correlation can be extended to the populations of developed countries such as the USA, which have lower levels of arsenic exposure and differ in other factors, such as genetics, nutrition, sun exposure, and socioeconomic status. Objectives This report examines the current evidence in an attempt to resolve whether populations in the USA have rates of skin cancer that correlate with higher arsenic concentrations. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases. Results Six key studies were found and reviewed. Several studies conducted in US populations indicate an association between arsenic-contaminated water and skin cancer, which may in some cases occur at arsenic concentrations of <10 μg/l, the 2001 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum allowable concentration for municipal water. Conclusions Private wells are not regulated by the EPA's rule, and many have concentrations above the EPA maximum. In order to help curb the rising incidence of skin cancer, arsenic contamination of water warrants the attention of policymakers. Greater testing of well water and increased education and skin cancer surveillance by dermatologists in arsenic-endemic areas may help to reduce exposure to arsenic and facilitate the early recognition of skin cancer.
A Whole Sense of Self, a Whole Sense of the World: The Blessings of Spirituality in Qualitative Research and Teaching

Abstract The paper focuses on defining and consciously re-membering spirituality as fundamental to the practice and praxis of multicultural research and teaching. In what I describe as the blessings of spirituality, I examine the ways that examining spirituality in international/global contexts can help us to theorize “in the flesh” (Hurtado, 2003), engaging research that seeks to address social justice in its practice and outcomes. Thus, the blessings of spirituality are also the basis for political commitments to informed moral action and principled political praxis in our lives and work as researcher-teachers.
A stepped-care plus matching model of community smoking cessation

The use of a stepped-care model to treat smoking and prevent relapse is proposed. Population-based cessation efforts for adult smokers should involve four steps to smoking cessation at the community level. First, general community-level interventions are used to increase motivation to quit. Then, only when smokers are ready to quit, should they be evaluated for individual factors that would complicate cessation efforts, such as: past history of quit attempts and severity of withdrawal symptoms; degree of nicotine dependence; and co-morbid factors including substance abuse, mood disorders, especially depression and weight gain among women smokers.
The Attributes of Relational Maximizers

Using Schwartz’s (2000) conceptualization of decision maximization, we sought to understand how an individual’s propensity to maximize in relationships factored into personal, relational, and communication outcomes. In Study 1, 343 participants currently involved in romantic relationships completed measures of relational maximization along with measures of regret, life satisfaction, closeness, trust, relational satisfaction, and relational uncertainty. In Study 2, 272 participants were surveyed about their tendency to maximize in relationships along with affectionate communication and relational maintenance behaviors. Results from both studies revealed that the tendency to maximize in relationships was negatively correlated with relational outcomes (closeness, trust, satisfaction) and communication outcomes (affection and some relational maintenance behaviors). Furthermore, relational maximization was positively related to regret and relational uncertainty.
On the Politics of Imidž: European Integration and the Trials of Recognition in Postconflict Macedonia

This article examines how a discourse on international image animated Macedonian politics following the country's 2001 conflict and how it reflected a broader cultural politics of European Union expansion. Contrasting with the continual deferral of recognition that characterized European integration in Macedonia, the Macedonian discourse on image (imidž) anchored a social imaginary where a national project of marketing could facilitate Macedonia's accession into the European Union and concretize its belonging to "Europe." The analysis developed here centers on the ambivalences in this discourse and the practices it authorized. By incorporating both orientalist distinctions and key concepts from the European Union's own process of integration, the discourse of imidž supported the neoliberal reform associated with Macedonia's postconflict restructuring and European integration. But the discourse on imidž also provided Macedonian political actors with an idiom in which to imagine, respond to, and capitalize on the larger political forces engendered by discursive constructs of Europe and the international community.
Integrated multimodal transportation model for a switchgrass-based bioethanol supply chain case study in North Dakota.

In this study, a mixed integer linear programming model that integrates multimodal transport—truck and rail—into the switchgrass-based bioethanol supply chain was formulated. The objective of this study was to minimize the total cost for cultivation and harvesting, infrastructure, the storage process, bioethanol production, and transportation. Strategic decisions, including the number and location of intermodal facilities and biorefineries, and tactical decisions, such as the amount of biomass shipped, processed, and converted into bioethanol, were validated by using North Dakota as a case study. It was found that the multimodal transport scenario was more cost effective than a single mode of transport (truck) and resulted in a lower cost for bioethanol. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to demonstrate the impact of key factors in the decision to use multimodal transport in a switchgrass-based bioethanol supply chain and on the cost of bioethanol.
Effects of a Hybrid Online and In-Person Training Program Designed to Reduce Alcohol Sales to Obviously Intoxicated Patrons.

Objective:Overservice of alcohol (i.e., selling alcohol to intoxicated patrons) continues to be a problem at bars and restaurants, contributing to serious consequences such as traffic crashes and violence. We developed a training program for managers of bars and restaurants, eARMTM, focusing on preventing overservice of alcohol. The program included online and face-to-face components to help create and implement establishment-specific policies.Method:We conducted a large, randomized controlled trial in bars and restaurants in one metropolitan area in the midwestern United States to evaluate effects of the eARM program on the likelihood of selling alcohol to obviously intoxicated patrons. Our outcome measure was pseudo-intoxicated purchase attempts—buyers acted out signs of intoxication while attempting to purchase alcohol—conducted at baseline and then at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after training. We conducted intention-to-treat analyses on changes in purchase attempts in intervention (n = 171) versu...
Contextual Awareness as Measure of Human-Information Interaction in Usability and Design

Contextual awareness (CA) [3] provides a way of thinking about the communication quality of the human-information interaction (HII) aspects of a design [4]. Understanding information in complex situations is essentially always cognitively-based rather than physically-based (although physical interaction may be required to control the situation). Gaining that understanding within a complex situation requires mentally integrating many pieces of information, which requires the user knows the information exists, what it means, and how it is interrelated to other pieces of information. The design and testing of complex information systems and effectively interacting with them require a different approach than working with simply information [1, 11].
Staged Definitive Repair after Carotid Blowout: A Case Report

Carotid blowout syndrome is a highly morbid complication of head and neck cancer. We present the case of a 51-year-old woman with common carotid artery blowout, initially temporized with an endovascular stent graft and ultimately reconstructed using autologous superficial femoral artery. The patient recovered without sequelae and continues to be asymptomatic at 1 year. We present the modern hybrid management of this complex case.
Chemical Pathways of Corticosteroids, Industrial Synthesis from Sapogenins

Corticosteroids are products of high industrial and commercial importance. There are dozens of different synthesis published for all of them. Some are coming from academia and some from industry. Here, industrial processes for the synthesis of prednisone, prednisolone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, betamethasone, and methylprednisolone are described. The starting material is diosgenin and the desired molecules are reached due to a good combination of chemistry and biotechnology that was developed along the second part of the twentieth century.
Study of oral aniracetam in C57BL/6J mice without pre-existing cognitive impairments

Background: The piracetam analog, aniracetam, has recently received attention for its cognition enhancing potential, with minimal reported side effects. Previous studies report the drug to be effective in both human and non-human models with pre-existing cognitive dysfunction, but few studies have evaluated its efficacy in healthy subjects. A previous study performed in our laboratory found no cognitive enhancing effects of oral aniracetam administration 1-hour prior to behavioral testing in naive C57BL/6J mice. Methods: The current study aims to further evaluate this drug by administration of aniracetam 30 minutes prior to testing in order to optimize any cognitive enhancing effects. In this study, all naive C57BL/6J mice were tested in tasks of delayed fear conditioning, novel object recognition, rotarod, open field, elevated plus maze, and marble burying. Results: Across all tasks, animals in the treatment group failed to show enhanced learning when compared to controls. Conclusions: These results provide further evidence suggesting that aniracetam conveys no therapeutic benefit to subjects without pre-existing cognitive dysfunction.
Physiological Functions of Plasminogen Activation: Effects of Gene Deficiencies in Humans and Mice

Exhaustive analysis of humans and mice with genetic deficiencies in plasminogen, plasminogen activators, plasmin inhibitor, and plasminogen activator inhibitors have yielded fundamental new insights into both the mechanisms of activation and the physiological functions of the plasminogen activation system. At least five different pathways for the activation of plasminogen are operative in vivo, and these five pathways display a remarkable functional redundancy. Plasminogen as well as the components that govern the activation and inhibition of the plasminogen activation system are dispensable for development. However, the cleavage of fibrin and other extracellular substrates by plasmin is critical for postnatal remodeling and repair of multiple epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. As a consequence, life without plasminogen is associated with high morbidity and mortality due to progressive multiorgan damage. Conversely, genetic deficiencies in inhibitors of plasmin and plasminogen activators not only markedly accelerate tissue repair but also result in a lifelong bleeding predisposition due to premature fibrin dissolution.
Late and Missed Meal Boluses with Multiple Daily Insulin Injections

Background: Using sensor augmented pump data, late or missed meal boluses have shown a strong correlation with higher A1c levels, particularly in adolescents. With the Type Zero InControl Phone connected to a Dexcom G5 sensor and Novo insulin pens with memory and connectivity it is now possible to evaluate for late and missed meal boluses in MDI users. Methods: For this study 326 days of CGM data were evaluated from 24 subjects (mean age 33, range 15-59 years). Seven days of data were analyzed on starting the system and 7 days 1 month later. Overall 1,173 meals were evaluated. Meals were determined by either the subject manually recording the meal, or if the CGM was >70 mg/dl and there was a >70 mg/dl rise within 2 hours. A late meal bolus was defined when the CGM increased >50 mg/dl from baseline prior to an insulin dose. A missed meal bolus was defined by no insulin dose within 2 hours from the start of the CGM rise. Results: 27% (range 8 to 55%) of meals had either a late or missed meal boluses: 13% (range 2-30%) were late and 14% (range 2 to 38%) were missed. There was no correlation with age or gender. There was a positive correlation with the percentage of missed meal boluses and A1c levels (p=0.019), but no correlation with the percentage of late meal boluses and A1c levels. There were no significant differences in missed or late meal boluses when comparing the first week of use to using the system one month later. Conclusion: The rate of late or missed meal boluses is high for both adults and adolescents using MDI therapy, and missed meal boluses correlated with higher A1c levels. Having this information may provide significant insight to patients and help clinicians provide advice to MDI patients. Disclosure L.M. Norlander: None. S. Anderson: Research Support; Self; Medtronic. Consultant; Self; Senseonics. C.J. Levy: Advisory Panel; Self; Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.. Research Support; Self; Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Dexcom, Inc.. L. Ekhlaspour: None. D.W. Lam: None. L. Hsu: None. S.E. Loebner: None. S.J. Ogyaadu: None. G. O9Malley: None. C.M. Levister: None. M.D. Breton: Stock/Shareholder; Self; TypeZero Technologies, Inc.. Speaker9s Bureau; Self; Ascensia Diabetes Care. Consultant; Self; Sanofi. Speaker9s Bureau; Self; Roche Diabetes Care Health and Digital Solutions. Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc., Ascensia Diabetes Care, Senseonics. B. Buckingham: Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc., ConvaTec Inc.. Research Support; Self; Medtronic, Insulet Corporation, Dexcom, Inc., Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.. Consultant; Self; Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company.
Characterization of Trimeric Hemoglobin Component from the Earth Worm, Lumbricus Terrestris

The extracellular hemoglobin of Lumbricus terrestris has a molecular mass of ca. 4 × 106, contains 156 ± 5 heme groups and exhibits at least six different polypeptide chains (I through VI) on SDS PAGE in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol (1). The 50 KDa hemoglobin subunit consists of a disulfide-bonded trimer of chains II, III and IV, which allow it to retain heme (2).
Optimizing and standardizing quantitative EMG

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that routine electromyography (EMG) relies on qualitative assessment and judgment of waveform patterns, and when made by experienced electromyographers can be accurate and insightful in recognizing the normal from the abnormal, and separating neuropathic from myopathic motor units. It discusses that automated quantitative electromyography (QEMG) techniques rely upon computer algorithms to extract motor unit action potentials (MUAPs). QEMG is not widely used in routine clinical practice due to increased operational complexity and time required to perform a study, plus a lack of uniformity in its operational use. A number of different algorithms are available and compares the performance of three of them. The chapter assesses a number of variables related to the operations performed by the algorithms including: marking of MUAP metrics, data acquisitions time, and effects of raising the high-pass filter. It also assesses whether there are differences in MUAP metrics depending upon where the needle is placed in the muscle.
Genetics and Genomics of Stroke: Novel Approaches

Evidence for a genetic basis for stroke comes from twin and family studies and from the occurrence of a number of uncommon monogenic disorders, but the contribution of genetic factors identified for stroke so far is small. Advances in genetics and genomics may permit new insights. In recent genome-wide association studies, a number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been associated with specific stroke subtypes and major stroke risk factors such as diabetes and atrial fibrillation. These await replication. Studies of messenger ribonucleic acid expression have also shown promise for the development of genomic signatures for stroke classification. Stroke and coronary heart disease share some features of pathophysiology, risk, and treatment, and their genetic and genomic bases also appear to overlap.
Optimal Sizing of a Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer System for Highway Applications

Inductive power transfer has been proposed as a solution to power future automated and electrified highways. In this study, an interoperable wireless charging system is sized so that a light and a heavy-duty vehicle can travel at or near charge-sustaining mode at high speeds using an optimization approach. The conflicting objectives of minimizing the power ratings and the number of inverters, coupler materials, and overall system coverages result in a Pareto Front that is presented in this paper. It is found that a system using short transmitting couplers can ensure high efficiency power transfers to light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and still maintain charge-sustaining operation of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). The findings are contextualized by a brief discussion of other aspects relating to the implementation of this technology on roadways such as the impact of the cost of time and travel speeds.
Using Video Modeling to Teach a Meal Preparation Task to Individuals with a Moderate Intellectual Disability

A single-subject study implementing an AB design with 3 replications was conducted with 4 adolescents having multiple disabilities, including moderate cognitive impairments, to demonstrate the efficacy of a video modeling and video-prompting intervention to teach a food preparation skill. Each participant was taught to prepare a different food item using a task analysis comprising 50 to 64 steps. Within 12 training sessions, each participant achieved criterion performance, completing at least 90% of their cooking task steps independently. Three out of 4 participants maintained their food preparation skill in a maintenance probe taken 6 weeks after instruction ended. The fourth participant completed 89% of the task’s steps independently during the maintenance probe. The findings of this study are consistent with those of earlier studies and suggest that video modeling may be a very effective and efficient method for promoting independence, participation, and self-determination among individuals with moderate intellectual disabilities. This study extends the literature base by focusing on longer, more complex meal preparation tasks than earlier studies.
On the gular sac tissue of the brown pelican: Structural characterization and mechanical properties.

Although the Brown Pelican wields one of the largest bills of any bird, it is distinguished by the deployable throat pouch of extensible tissue used to ‘net’ prey. Researchers have primarily focused on the bending mechanics that pelican bills demonstrate during feeding. While the mandible’s ability to endure hydrodynamic loading during plunge-diving has been reported on, little has been published on the pouch itself in the form of gular sac tissue characterization. This thesis reports on mechanical testing and optical characterization of the pouch material, similar in scope and methods to recent studies at UCSD involving pig and rabbit skin. The data suggests a higher extensibility of the pelican skin to the pig using a limited comparison of fibril curvatures. TEM imaging provides microstructural evidence of the directionality of the collagen fibers. This, paired with the corrugated nature of the pouch material in the circumferential or expansive direction, elicits the anisotropic response observed in tensile testing. TEM also showed the dimensions of collagen fibrils to be similar in size to those in rabbits and pigs—suggesting the fibrils themselves are likely not the main reason for the enhanced extensibility observed beyond other skin types. Material characterization efforts focused on the impact of the following parameters: relative bird age, location on the pouch, and constant strain rate. Anteroposterior location and strain rate were not yet determined major influencers on exhibited strengths and extensibilities. However, bird age and dorsoventral location were found to affect the pouch material’s mechanical response significantly.
Physical Orphaning versus Chemical Instability: Is Dendritic Electrodeposition of Li Fatal?

The dendritic electrodeposition of lithium, leading to physical orphaning and chemical instability, is considered responsible for the poor reversibility and premature failure of electrochemical cel...