cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subjective effects to marijuana associated with marijuana use in community and clinical subjects

Abstract Introduction Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug among adolescents. Marijuana use induces both psychological and physiological responses, which can be interpreted by an individual in a variety of ways (i.e. subjective effects). We have examined subjective effects in adolescent, young adult community, and clinical populations to determine how patterns of use may be predicted by an individual's subjective experiences with the drug. Method Participants were community and clinical sample subjects drawn from the Colorado Center of Antisocial Drug Dependence (CADD) and a sample of adjudicated youth from the Denver metropolitan area (aged 11–30). They were evaluated with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview—Substance Abuse Module (CIDI-SAM) and the Lyons battery for subjective effects. Scales for subjective effects were created using Mokken scale analysis. Multivariate linear and logistic regression was used to examine associations between the subjective scales and marijuana outcomes. Results Mokken scaling revealed two subjective effects scales, positive and negative. Both scales were significantly positively associated with marijuana abuse or dependence in both the community and clinical sample and regular use in the community sample. The negative scale was negatively associated with past six-month use in the community sample ( p Conclusions These findings suggest that diverse subjective experiences with marijuana can be ordered hierarchically and that the resulting short scales can be used in either clinical or community settings. Further, they suggest that the potential for marijuana use problems is related to the type of subjective experience from marijuana exposure.
Role of laparoscopy in patients with peritoneal metastases considered for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Background: We hypothesized that diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) was feasible for the evaluation of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC). Methods: A retrospective review of PC patients treated from January 2010 to April 2013 was conducted. Data on tumor characteristics, treatment details and survival outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Results: Of the 101 PC patients (mean age 52.9 ± 14.1 years), 73 diagnostic laparoscopies DL (61 concurrent with CRS + HIPEC) were performed in 70 patients whereas 31 patients underwent direct exploratory laparotomy (EL). Complete laparoscopic assessment was possible in 63 cases (86.3%), resulting in 18 exclusions (27.7%) while 10 cases were converted to open due to inadequate laparoscopic visualization. Subsequently, CRS + HIPEC was performed in 85.4% (of 55 selected for HIPEC, DL) versus 74.2% (EL, P value = 0.20). Among those excluded from HIPEC at the initial operation, delayed HIPEC after conversion chemotherapy was achieved in 6 (of 11 with extensive disease, DL). The incidence of grade 3 to 5 complications was 0% DL versus 10% EL (P value = 0.2). There were no port site recurrences at mean follow up of 9.1 ± 8 months. Conclusions: Laparoscopy is a feasible technique for selecting patients with PC for CRS + HIPEC, and can help select patients for conversion chemotherapy in the setting of high peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) score.
Anti-lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase-3 (LPP3) antibody inhibits bFGF- and VEGF-induced capillary morphogenesis of endothelial cells

Background: Angiogenesis, or the remodeling of existing vasculature serves as a lifeline to nourish developing embryos and starved tissues, and to accelerate wound healing, diabetic retinopathy, and tumor progression. Recent studies indicate that angiogenesis requires growth factor activity as well as cell adhesion events mediated by α5β1 and αvβ3 integrins. We previously demonstrated that human lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase-3 (LPP3) acts as a cell-associated ligand for α5β1 and αvβ3 integrins. Here, we test the hypothesis that an anti-LPP3 antibody can inhibit basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced capillary morphogenesis of endothelial cells (ECs). Results: We report that bFGF and VEGF up-regulate LPP3 protein expression in ECs. Immunoprecipitation analyses show that LPP3 is a cell surface protein and undergoes Nglycosylation. Fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) data suggest that anti-LPP3-RGD detects native neoepitope on the surface of activated ECs. Moreover, we demonstrate LPP3 protein expression in tumor endothelium alongside VEGF. The embedding of ECs into three-dimensional type I collagen in the presence of bFGF and VEGF induce capillary formation. Importantly, we show that the addition of an anti-LPP3 antibody specifically and significantly blocks bFGF- and VEGFinduced capillary morphogenesis of ECs. Conclusion: These data suggest that activated ECs as well as tumor endothelium express LPP3 protein. In an in vitro assay, the anti-LPP3-RGD specifically blocks bFGF and VEGF induced capillary morphogenesis of ECs. Our results, therefore, suggest a role for LPP3 in angiogenesis.
Outcomes of Renal Transplantation in Older High Risk Recipients: Is There an Age Effect?

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes in high risk renal transplant recipients over 60 years of age compared with those younger than 60 years of age. Materials and Methods We analyzed outcomes in 131 consecutive renal transplant recipients at our institution between November 2001 and December 2007. Primary outcomes included incidence of delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection, graft survival, patient survival, and incidence of infections and neoplasms. Results Older recipients (Over 60 group, n = 45) received more organs from extended criteria donors (ECD) or donation after cardiac death donors (DCD) compared with younger recipients (Under 60 group, n = 86), 42% versus 17% respectively, P = 0.001. Multivariate analyses revealed that African American ethnicity and DCD donation had the greatest impact on the incidence of DGF in both groups; P Conclusion Our data suggest that long-term transplant outcomes in older, high risk renal transplant recipients are similar to those of younger, high risk recipients. Older recipients' age and high-risk characteristics, such as African American ethnicity and increased sensitization, should not be a contraindication to renal transplantation in the elderly.
Fast and accurate estimation of floorplans in logic/high-level synthesis

In many applications such as high-level synthesis (HLS) and logic synthesis and possibly engineering change order (ECO) we would like to get fast and accurate estimations of different performance measures of the chip, namely area, delay and power consumption. These measures cannot be estimated with high accuracy unless a fairly detailed layout of the chip, including the floorplan and routing is available, which in turn are very costly processes in terms of running time. As we have entered the deep sub-micron era, we have to deal with designs which contain million gates and up. Not only we should consider the area occupied by the modules, but we also have to consider the wiring congestion. In this paper we propose a cost function that is, in addition to other parameters, a function of the wiring area. We also propose a method, to avoid running the floorplanning process after every change in the design, by considering the possible changes in advance and generating a floorplan which is tolerant to these modifications, i.e., the changes in the netlist does not dramatically change the performance measures of the chip. Experiments are done in the high-level synthesis domain, but the method can be applied to logic synthesis and ECO as well. We gain speedups of 184% on the average over the traditional estimation methods used in HLS.
Racially Biased Policing: Determinants of Citizen Perceptions

The current controversy surrounding racial profiling in America has focused renewed attention on the larger issue of racial bias by the police. Yet little is known about the extent of police racial bias and even less about public perceptions of the problem. This article analyzes recent national survey data on citizens' views of, and reported personal experiences with, several forms of police bias-including differential treatment of individuals and neighborhoods, police prejudice, and racial profiling. We find that attitudes toward the prevalence and acceptability of these practices are largely shaped by citizens' race, personal experiences with police discrimination, and exposure to news media reporting on incidents of police misconduct. The findings lend support to the group-position theory of race relations.
Concession-Making and Conflict Resolution

Assuming that the extent to which a concession (or a conciliatory act) is exploited or reciprocated depends upon the situational context in which the concession is made, the effects of two situational variables on cooperative choice were investigated: (a) the length of the competitive stalemate prior to conciliatory acts, and (b) the consequence or cost to the party initiating such acts. Pairs of undergraduate males were led to believe they were playing a Prisoner's Dilemma game, but were playing against a preprogrammed strategy of the experimenter. The dependent variable was the level of cooperation on the last block of trials. The results suggest that (a) a long stalemate initiated by a sequence of competitive acts may be effective against a competitive person, but not against a cooperative person; (b) conciliatory acts which are costly may facilitate the communication and perception of cooperative intent and, thereby, facilitate a mutually cooperative solution.
Dependence of Stress Upon Temperature Gradient for an Ideally Elastic Solid Isotropic and Homogeneous in the Reference State

This paper postulates that the stress tensor of a Cauchy-elastic material depends upon the first temperature-gradient vector in addition to the deformation gradient and local temperature. Consequences of this postulate are examined for the particular cases of a body constrained to no deformation and to simple isochoric shear.
Obligation, Good Motives, and the Good

In Finite and Infinite Goods, Robert Adams brings back a strongly Platonistic form of the metaphysics of value. I applaud most of the theory's main features: the primacy of the good; the idea that the excellent is more central than the desirable, the derivative status of well-being, the transcendence of the good, the idea that excellence is resemblance to God, the importance of such non-moral goods as beauty, the particularity of persons and their ways of imitating God, and the use of direct reference theory in understanding how "good" functions semantically. All of these features I wholeheartedly endorse and use in different ways in my own theory. Throughout his book Adams is generous to competing points of view, and his thoroughness and attention to detail make his presentation persuasive without the defensive quality of so much philosophical polemic. With this book, Christian neoplatonism has emerged in a sophisticated contemporary form. As is customary in commentaries, I will focus attention on a couple of aspects of Adams's theory that I find problematic. One is the account of obligation; the other is the account of the evaluation of motives.
STUDIES ON VIGOR XVI. ENDOCRINE FACTORS IN VIGOR

During the past three years various members of the Physiology Department of the Ohio State University have been engaged in a series of investigations on the various factors that serve to modify the vigor of the individual. The method (1)is to confine albino rats in small housing cages having uninterrupted access to revolving cylinders in which they can exercise ad libitum. The revolutions are automatically recorded by ratchet counters. Observations upon hundreds of individuals have shown that so large a part of the total energy expenditure goes to running in the wheels that a record of the revolutions of these serves as a rather accurate criterion of the animal’s tendency to exercise, hence, presumably, of its general vigor.
Leading-Edge Force Features of the Aerodynamic Finite Element Method

Description of a practical procedure for computing the wing leading-edge thrust distribution by the finite element method. When incorporated into a wing-body aerodynamic computer program, the technique is capable of predicting (at subsonic and supersonic speeds) the leading-edge thrust distribution (and therefore, the lateral-directional stability derivatives due to roll) and the nonlinear aerodynamic characteristics of low aspect-ratio wings with leading edge separation due to the application of suction technology.
Closed Causal Loops and the Bilking Argument

The most potentially powerful objection to the possibility oftime travel stems from the fact that it can, under the right conditions, give rise to closedcausal loops, and closed causal loops can be turned into self-defeating causal chains;folks killing their infant selves, setting out to destroy the world before they were born,and the like. It used to be thought that such chains present paradoxes; the receivedwisdom nowadays is that they give rise to physical anomalies in the form of inexplicably correlated events. I argue against the received wisdom. I can find nothing in them that argues against the possibility (even, the probability) of time travel.
Structural genomics: computational methods for structure analysis

The success of structural genomics initiatives requires the development and application of tools for structure analysis, prediction, and annotation. In this paper we review recent developments in these areas; specifically structure alignment, the detection of remote homologs and analogs, homology modeling and the use of structures to predict function. We also discuss various rationales for structural genomics initiatives. These include the structure-based clustering of sequence space and genome-wide function assignment. It is also argued that structural genomics can be integrated into more traditional biological research if specific biological questions are included in target selection strategies.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE MORTALITY OF SCOLYTUS MULTISTRIATUS (COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE) IN ELM BRANCHES IN CALIFORNIA

Populations of Scolytus multistriatus (Marsham) from two areas of California were sampled in 1979 to investigate various factors influencing mortality. English-elm bolts ( Ulmus procera Salisb.) ranging between 2.0 and 12.9 cm in diameter yielded mean mortalities from 49.1 to 86.0%. Mortality was highly correlated with egg density for branch samples from 7.0 to 12.9 cm in diameter. The minimum acceptable elm-branch diameter (2.8 cm) was attacked only during the first sampling period (mid-May to mid-June). Branch diameter, and therefore bark thickness, demonstrated a strong positive relationship with the density of S. multistriatus eggs, attacks, gallery lengths, and emerged adults. Gallery length density was positively correlated with attack density. At low attack densities in small-diameter branches, mean gallery lengths were shorter.
Modified hidden semi-markov model for modelling the flat fading channel

Fading phenomena impact the performance of wireless communication systems. We propose the modified hidden semi-Markov model (MHSMM) for modeling the flat fading envelope process. The properties of the envelope process are dominated by the physical fading processes and speeds of the mobile terminal. Thus, the statistics of the fading process may be non-stationary, due to different fading conditions over some time durations. The MHSMM incorporate these time-variant statistics of the envelope process in a single model, which facilitates computations of the envelope probability density function and the autocorrelation function. We provide a parameter estimation scheme to estimate the MHSMM parameters. We demonstrate the proposed parameter estimation scheme by using simulated and experimental data. The simulation is based on the GSM system parameters often encountered in practical conditions. We conducted two experiments, including cooperating and noncooperating channel disturbances. Based on these data, the MHSMM is compared with the amplitude-based finite-state Markov chains model and the hidden Markov model. The results verify the advantages of the MHSMM and the effectiveness of the associated parameter estimation schemes.
Conversion from sustained-release to immediate-release bupropion: patient tolerability and economic impact.

Study Objective. To assess patient tolerability and impact on institutional drug acquisition costs of converting patients from sustained-release bupropion to generic immediate-release bupropion. Design. Retrospective medical record review. Setting. Veterans Affairs medical center. Patients. One hundred three outpatients who had been receiving sustained-release bupropion and were converted to immediate-release bupropion at equal individual doses and frequencies. Measurements and Main Results. Medical records were reviewed for documentation of adverse effects thought to be associated with bupropion treatment; reports of seizure occurrence were specifically sought. Patterns of bupropion dosing were also assessed. Institutional drug acquisition costs were evaluated by comparing actual costs of bupropion for each patient before and after conversion. Adverse effects reported with immediate-release bupropion were those commonly associated with this drug (headache, agitation, chest pain, and gastrointestinal complaints) and were neither unusually frequent nor severe. No seizures were reported after the drug conversion. Mean daily doses of bupropion were not significantly different after conversion. Mean single doses of immediate-release bupropion were below 150 mg; however, six patients did receive single doses of 200 mg. After conversion, the annual institutional drug acquisition cost for bupropion decreased by approximately $48,910. Conclusion. Conversion from sustained-release bupropion to immediate-release bupropion appears to be safe. Single 200-mg doses of immediate-release bupropion can apparently be administered to some patients without inducing excessive adverse effects, including seizures. Marked reduction in drug acquisition costs can be achieved with this conversion.
TOPOLOGICAL ORGANIZATION OF PICORNAVIRAL GENOMES : STATISTICAL PREDICTION OF RNA STRUCTURAL SIGNALS

Abstract We have analyzed 11 picornaviral RNA genomic sequences by optimal and suboptimal minimum free energy folding algorithms. The systematic summation of all pairing partners for each base in the suboptimal structures (P-num value) shows a distinct pattern of alternating low and high values when plotted against the sequence length and indicate regions within each genome where secondary structure(s) are likely to play a significant role in virus biology. The individual folds augmented by data from phylogenetic folds, collectively suggest some revisions of existing models for 5′-untranslated regions of cardioviruses and enteroviruses that might better explain the functions of these regions.
The Genomes of Recombinant Inbred Lines

Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) can serve as powerful tools for genetic mapping. Recently, members of the Complex Trait Consortium proposed the development of a large panel of eight-way RILs in the mouse, derived from eight genetically diverse parental strains. Such a panel would be a valuable community resource. The use of such eight-way RILs will require a detailed understanding of the relationship between alleles at linked loci on an RI chromosome. We extend the work of Haldane and Waddington on two-way RILs and describe the map expansion, clustering of breakpoints, and other features of the genomes of multiple-strain RILs as a function of the level of crossover interference in meiosis.
How long does it take to melt a gold nanorod?: A femtosecond pump–probe absorption spectroscopic study

Abstract Using pump–probe femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, we determined the rate of the bleach of absorption around 700–800 nm due to the longitudinal surface plasmon band of gold nanorods. Using TEM of the spotted, completely irradiated solutions suggest that the dominant products of the photothermal conformation of the rods are spheres of comparable volume. This lead to the conclusion that the melting of the rods is at least 30–35 ps, independent of the power used (5–20 μJ) or the nanorod aspect ratio (1.9–3.7).
No teacher left behind: Valuing teacher voice in elementary reading teacher education reform

Abstract Elementary teachers have long been absent from the debates surrounding teacher education reform. This research aimed to provide an avenue for teachers to share their insights and beliefs about teacher education. A two‐tiered selection produced a sample of over two‐hundred elementary teachers for this study. They were asked to compare their own reading teacher education to that of the student teachers with whom they worked. Most indicated that reading teacher education had changed little since they received their undergraduate degrees, but regardless of their overall evaluation, two items emerged as the basis of that decision: coursework and field experiences.
Wie ist die Natur zu verstehen

Karl Popper zitierte zwei Stellen aus Xenophanes, die zeigen, wie gut dieser vorsokratische Philosoph PopperS Ansicht uber den Zustand unserer Versuche, die Natur zu verstehen, vorausgeahnt hat — „ein gewirktes Netz von Vermutungen“.
U.S. Steel and the Import-Export Clause: A Missed Opportunity

In this report, the authors review the jurisprudence regarding application of the U.S. Constitution's Import-Export Clause to state taxation.
Picosecond Infrared Spectroscopy in Narrow-Gap Semiconductors

Presently, narrow-bandgap semiconductors occupy an increasingly important role in mid-infrared electro-optics. They are also interesting from a purely physical point of view because of characteristics arising from their bandstructure. One example of experimental interest to us concerns the properties of dense, nonequilibrium electron-hole gases in such materials as PbTe, Hg1-xCdxTe and InSb. In particular, we have applied picosecond infrared techniques at 10.6 ym and 5.3 pm to the study of the highly degenerate plasmas in these semiconductors. The emphasis in the work discussed below centers on the transient dynamics of the electron-hole system, specifically the recombination kinetics. Our measurements have provided a first indication of recombination rates at excess densities n≳1019cm−3.
Where should a laminoplasty start? The effect of the proximal level on post-laminoplasty loss of lordosis

Abstract Background Context Open-door laminoplasty is a useful operation in the surgical management of cervical myelopathy with favorable outcomes and relatively low complications. One potential undesirable outcome is a decrease in cervical lordosis postoperatively. It is unknown whether the most proximal level undergoing laminoplasty affects the magnitude of loss of lordosis. Purpose This study aimed to compare the loss of cervical lordosis postoperatively in patients for whom the most proximal level undergoing laminoplasty is C3 versus C4. Study Design/Setting A retrospective radiographic review at an academic center was carried out. Patient Sample A total of 65 patients at a single institution who underwent plated open door laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy by multiple surgeons over a 5-year period were included. Outcome Measures The primary outcome was change in cervical lordosis, which was the difference in C2–T1 Cobb angle between the postoperative and preoperative films. Methods Patients were divided into two groups based on the most proximal vertebral level undergoing laminoplasty. There were 49 patients who underwent laminoplasty beginning at C3, whereas 16 patients underwent laminoplasty beginning at C4. The C2–T1 Cobb angle was measured on the preoperative film and on the final postoperative follow-up film. The difference between these values was calculated for each patient, and the mean of the differences for the C3 group was compared with that of the C4 group. Results When C3 was the proximal plated laminoplasty level, loss of lordosis averaged 9°. In contrast, when C4 was the proximal plated level, loss of lordosis was significantly less and averaged only 3° (p=.047). In the group as a whole, mean preoperative lordosis was 18° compared with 11° postoperatively, for an overall 7° loss of lordosis. Conclusions Starting the laminoplasty at C4 led to significantly less loss of lordosis than starting at C3. When the pattern of spinal cord compression does not require laminoplasty at C3, consideration should be given to making C4 the most cephalad laminoplasty level rather than C3 to better preserve lordosis.
Abstract 3338: Capacity of breast cancer cell homing to distant organs is altered by acquisition of stem cell properties

It is hypothesized that migration of tumor cells to distant organs is mediated by E-selectin expressed on vascular endothelium of a secondary tissue and its counter receptors expressed on circulating breast tumor cells. Previously, our group has characterized glycosphingolipids and CD44 as E-selectin binding molecules expressed on BT-20 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell lines. We now report that the ZR-75-1 breast cancer cell line possesses E-selectin ligand activity, yet does not express any of the known E-selectin ligands found on colon cancer cells, leukocyte, or BT-20 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. A systematic investigation to identify novel E-selectin ligands expressed by ZR-75-1 cells was performed. Molecules isolated from whole cell lysate by immunoprecipitation with mouse E-selectin/ human Fc chimera (E-Ig chimera) were analyzed by mass spectrometry, which revealed that a glycoprotein known as Mac-2 binding protein (Mac-2bp) is an E-selectin ligand. Immunoprecipitation of Mac-2bp from whole cell lysate by using anti-Mac-2bp antibody followed by western blotting with E-Ig chimera and HECA-452 antibody demonstrated that Mac-2bp is a sialofucosylated E-selectin ligand. Dual staining of ZR-75-1 cells with anti-Mac-2bp antibody and E-Ig chimera imaged by fluorescence microscopy showed that Mac-2bp is a cell surface glycoprotein that is co-localized with E-selectin binding epitopes. Collectively, these results demonstrated that Mac-2bp is a novel E-selectin ligand expressed by ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells. In addition to the three breast cancer cell lines above, we tested four other breast cancer cell lines for their E-selectin ligand activity. Among the panel of cell lines examined, MDA-MB-231 and Hs-578t cells showed very weak activity for E-selectin binding as compared to the other five cell lines. Surprisingly, these were the only cells among all tested that were characterized by the CD44+/CD24-/low phenotype (>80% of cells). Staining with E-Ig chimera with subsequent detection by flow cytometry revealed differential E-selectin ligand activities of cancer stem versus non-stem cell phenotypes. Further, BT-20 cells (predominantly CD44+/CD24+) were treated with the metastatic niche factor TGF-β to force EMT and transformation into cancer stem cells, and change(s) in E-selectin ligand expression and function were assessed. Based on these results, we propose a new paradigm for the metastasis cascade, whereby breast cancer cells home to distant organs via an E-selectin-mediated pathway followed by transformation into breast cancer stem cells using metastatic niche factors. This model is consistent with the notion that cancer cell plasticity might have a significant role in metastasis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3338. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3338
Interpretations of Pre-Hispanic Ritual Violence at Tucume, Peru, from Cut Mark Analysis

Archaeological residues of ritual are often ephemeral, and reconstructing the dynamics of performed actions that create deposits can be difficult. Rituals associated with the dead are common across many cultures since all human groups have specific means of disposing of corpses. Evidence of peri- and postmortem manipulation of human remains, such as cutting, dismemberment, or disarticulation can provide details of the sequence of actions performed related to the circumstances surrounding death and the possible social meaning of those behaviors. Cut marks observed on the upper chest and throat of 93 percent of 117 children and men found interred at the Temple of the Sacred Stone at Tucume, Peru are consistent with three symbolic behaviors: cutting the throat, opening the chest cavity, and decapitation. This patterning of skeletal trauma demonstrates that a highly elaborate series of violent ritual behaviors was carried out on a regular basis at this location, beginning in the Late Intermediate Period (∼A.D. 1100) through to the end of the Late Horizon Inca occupation of the site around A.D. 1532. The recent finds of bioarchaeological evidence of ritual violence across the Andes suggests that, although rare, these mortuary remains provide important clues to the elaborate nature of ritual behaviors at different sites.
Corrosion Behavior of Tricalcium Phosphate Doped With Different Compositions of Silver

In this study, magnesium (Mg) disks were coated with β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) doped with different mass percent of silver (Ag) (0 wt%, 1 wt%, 5 wt% and 10 wt%) in an effort to modulate the detrimental osteoimmunomodulatory properties and colonization of bacteria on Mg disk, due to the reported favorable osteoimmunomodulatory properties of β-TCP and antibacterial properties of Ag. This paper describes the growth, characterization and corrosion analyses of β-TCP doped with different compositions of Ag thin film coatings. The phase composition and microstructure analyses were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. The SEM images showed that varying the percentage of Ag dopant affects the surface morphology of the β-TCP coatings. The corrosion protection behavior of the coated samples were evaluated using electrochemical measurement techniques, such as potentiodynamic polarization (PD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The corrosion tests were performed in Hank’s Balanced salt solution using a three-electrode electrochemical cell. The results showed that the β-TCP coating and β-TCP doped with Ag coatings on the Mg disks exhibit a much superior stability and lower corrosion rate compared to bare Mg. It was observed that increasing the mass of the Ag dopant increases the corrosion protection, but 10 wt% Ag doping in β-TCP reduces the corrosion protection behavior. The SEM images of the samples after corrosion show that the β-TCP and β-TCP doped with 10 wt% Ag suffered the most corrosion attack compare to β-TCP doped with 1 wt% and 5 wt% Ag. In conclusion, we have developed β-TCP and β-TCP doped with 1 wt%, 5 wt% and 10 wt% Ag coating with tunable corrosion protection efficiency above 88%.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
A Proposal for Energy-Efficient Cellular Neural Network Based on Spintronic Devices

Due to the massive parallel computing capability and outstanding image and signal processing performance, cellular neural network (CNN) is one promising type of non-Boolean computing system that can outperform the traditional digital logic computation and mitigate the physical scaling limit of the conventional CMOS technology. The CNN was originally implemented by VLSI analog technologies with operational amplifiers and operational transconductance amplifiers as neurons and synapses, respectively, which are power and area consuming. In this paper, we propose a hybrid structure to implement the CNN with magnetic components and CMOS peripherals with a complete driving and sensing circuitry. In addition, we propose a digitally programmable magnetic synapse that can achieve both positive and negative values of the templates. After rigorous performance analyses and comparisons, optimal energy is achieved based on various design parameters, including the driving voltage and the CMOS driving size. At a comparable footprint area and operation speed, a spintronic CNN is projected to achieve about one order of magnitude energy reduction per operation compared to its CMOS counterpart.
Microwave synthesis and antitumor activity of curcumin analogs

Objective:To synthesize four curcumin analogs and evaluate their antitumor activities.Methods:Four curcumin analogs were synthesized by coupling the appropriate aromatic aldehyde and cyclohexanon with HCl catalysis under microwave irradiations.The antitumor activities of these analogs were evaluated by trypan blue staining assay.Results:Four curcumin analogs with structural unit of diene-ketone were synthesized and their structures were determined.They showed inhibitory effects in K562 cells in vitro.Conclusion:Four curcumin analogs are synthesized and have antitumor activities.
Constraining Parliamentary Democracy to Advance the Majority’s Interest

Chapter 8 suggested that essentially every citizen has an interest in popular elections insofar as elections align the interests of government with those of a large subset of its citizens. Unfortunately, not every government that is elected will, in fact, implement the policies preferred by its supporters, nor will every majority be inclined to turn over the reins of policymaking power to future majorities. There is often a conflict between the outcomes of majority rule and the contractarian defense of democratic politics. Chapter 9 demonstrates that an elected parliament should be constrained in several ways if its policies are consistently to advance the interests of a majority of its citizens, both in the present and in the long run.
Propionate metabolism: III. Studies on the significance of the α-hydroxyglutarate pathway☆

Abstract The characteristics of Escherichia coli E-26 and a derived mutant E-26V during adaptation to propionate have been examined. When transferred from a glucose citrate medium to a mineral salts medium containing propiouate as the sole source of carbon, E-26V initiated growth more quickly and formed a higher activity of α-hydroxyglutarate synthase than did the parent strain. Moreover, in E-26V, the formation of α-hydroxyglutarate synthase immediately preceded growth on propionate, whereas in E-26, enzyme activity was not detected until the mid to late exponential growth phase. In contrast, isocitrate lyase formation immediately preceded growth initiation in both the parent and mutant cultures. It is proposed that the α-hydroxyglutarate pathway is metabolically significant during growth of E. coli E-26V on propionate by providing an auxiliary mechanism for the formation of C4 acids. Such intermediates are essential for the formation of adaptive enzymes involved in the oxidation of propionate to acetate.
Teach Your NK Cells Well

Natural killer cells readily kill target cells, and education ensures tolerance to self. In this issue of Immunity, Boudreau et al. (2016) and Chen et al. (2016) report new mechanisms of human and mouse natural killer cell education by inhibitory and activating receptors.
A micromechanical model for a viscoelastic cohesive zone

A micromechanical model for a viscoelastic cohesive zone is formulated herein. Care has been taken in the construction of a physically-based continuum mechanics model of the damaged region ahead of the crack tip. The homogenization of the cohesive forces encountered in this region results in a damage dependent traction-displacement law which is both single integral and internal variable-type. An incrementalized form of this traction-displacement law has been integrated numerically and placed within an implicit finite element program designed to predict crack propagation in viscoelastic media. This research concludes with several example problems on the response of this model for various displacement boundary conditions.
La construcción de poblaciones utilizando los censos de población en Latinoamérica

Resena deLOVEMAN, Mara. National colors: racial classification and the state in Latin America. New York: Oxford University Press, 2014, xix+377p.
Microbial Harboring Characteristics of Dishmachine-Filmed Glassware.

Alkaline-earth type films, produced by detergent-water interactions, are frequently deposited on eating utensils during mechanical dishwashing. These films are aesthetically unacceptable but their public health significance and food spoilage potential have not been established. Sterile glass petri dishes were washed in an institutional-type dishmachine containing Bacillus subtilis spores in the washwater. A film-producing model system was developed to examine film formation in conjunction with spore deposition. The influence of three distinct detergent formulations on this association was also determined. Detergent formulations contained 6.75% phosphorus (P), as sodium tripolyphosphate (STP), 3.0% P as STP, a proprietary phosphate substitute, and the film-producing model formulation devoid of both STP and substitute water conditioning agents. Film deposition was quantified as μg Ca++ per cm2 by an acid rinse-atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The quantity of B. subtilis spores recovered from washed petri dishes in the model system was related to film deposition. The relationship was dependent on the number of consecutive dishmachine cycles and the hardness of the water supply. Above a threshold value of 3 μg Ca++ per cm2, Ca++ deposition and B. subtilis spore harborage were directly correlated. Both of these conditions were inhibited to varying degrees by the three detergent formulations. These data suggest that dishware filming may be cause for public health and food spoilage concerns.
Abnormal Pulmonary Function in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease: Association of Decreased DLCO with Systemic Disease.

Abstract Pulmonary complications of sickle cell disease (SCD), including acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pulmonary fibrosis, are common. Dyspnea and hypoxemia are equally common in this population. It is likely that pulmonary function tests (PFT) are abnormal in the SCD population, however, no extensive study has been reported to date. Moreover, the relationship between abnormal pulmonary function and other manifestations of SCD, such as PH, is unclear. We hypothesized that abnormalities of pulmonary function, particularly a low diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), may be associated with other complications of SCD. The Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease (CSSCD) enrolled and followed more than 4,000 SCD patients who had visited one of 23 participating clinical centers across the United States between 1978 and 1998. Data were collected on many complications of the disease, and standardized collection of PFTs were part of the protocol. From the more than 1300 CSSCD patients who had the results of PFTs recorded, 310 adults (age≥ 20 years of age) homozygous for the Hb S gene without coincident α thalassemia and with sufficient data were identified. Predicted values for FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, TLC, RV and DLCO were calculated using algorithms that accounted for gender, age, and height in the African American population (using STATA, version 9); data are presented as percent predicted. Based on criteria established by the American Thoracic Society, subjects were sub-classified into 7 groups: obstructive physiology; restrictive physiology; mixed obstructive/restrictive disease; low lung volumes with normal spirometry (LLV); LLV with a low DLCO, isolated low DLCO, or normal. The association of blood counts and serum chemistries between patients with low DLCO compared with those with a normal DLCO was assessed by multivariate linear regression (using SAS software version 8.2). Normal PFTs were present in only 31 of 310 (10 %) SCD patients. Overall, the adult SCD population was characterized by decreased total lung capacities (70.2 + 14.7% predicted) and DLCO (64.5 + 19.9 % predicted adjusted for hemoglobin concentration). The most common PFT patterns observed were restrictive physiology (35.8%), LLV with normal spirometry (34.2% of patients), and an isolated low DLCO (12.9%). The presence of a low DLCO was associated with an elevated platelet count (p=0.05), hepatic dysfunction [elevated ALT (p=0.07) with elevated AST (p=0.01)] and renal dysfunction [elevated BUN and creatinine (p=0.05, 0.07)]. Restrictive disease is marginally associated with a decrease in hematocrit (p=0.07) and Hb F levels (p=0.07). Pulmonary function is abnormal in 90% of adult SCD patients. Common abnormalities include restrictive physiology, LLV with normal spirometry and a decreased DLCO. The presence of a decreased DLCO may be a marker of more severe systemic disease that includes impaired renal and hepatic function and possibly complications of hemolytic anemia such as PH.
Exome Sequencing Identifies Dual Mutations in Calcium Signaling Genes GNAO1 and ATP2B3 in a Patient with Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy (EIEE) (P5.146)

OBJECTIVE: To present a case of early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE) associated with mutations in ATP2B3 and GNAO1. BACKGROUND: EIEE is an age-dependent epileptic encephalopathy with multiple seizure types especially tonic spasms, brain malformations and a suppression burst pattern on electroencephalogram. Mutations in several genes including GNAO1 have been reported in EIEE. DESIGN/METHODS: We report a 5-year-old boy with a history of EIEE, severe developmental and growth retardation, hypotonia and cerebellar ataxia since birth. He is severely delayed with very limited interactions with environment. Infantile spasms were treated successfully with ACTH after trial of Pyridoxine, Phenobarbital, Levetiracetam, Topiramate, and Vigabatrin but he continues to have focal seizures. He currently receives Levetiracetam, Zonisamide and Clobazam and has no generalized tonic clonic seizures after Clobazam was started. Routine metabolic testing, mitochondrial DNA sequencing, SCN1A, STXBP1, POLG gene sequencing and chromosome microarray did not reveal any abnormalities. Whole exome sequencing was performed using DNA from patient and both parents. RESULTS: Exome sequencing revealed a maternally-inherited missense alteration in ATP2B3 (c.3338C>T/p.T1113M) as well as a de novo missense alteration in GNAO1 (c.133G>C/p.G45R). Both genes are associated with calcium signaling in epinephrine pathway. Mutations in ATP2B3 gene have been reported in X-linked spinocerebellar ataxia-1. GNAO1 gene mutations have so far been reported in 7 patients with EIEE. Both genes were either co-expressed, co-localized or otherwise interacted with multiple other genes mutated in EIEE. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Both mutations were in genes that are involved in calcium signaling and form network with other genes mutated in EIEE. (2) Identification of dual mutations has genetic counseling implications as mutation in GNAO1 gene is de novo with low recurrence risk while ATP2B3 mutation is an X-linked inherited mutation with 50[percnt] recurrence risk in a subsequent male offspring. Disclosure: Dr. Ueda has nothing to disclose. Dr. Serajee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Huq has nothing to disclose.
Three-dimensional isotropic magnetic resonance imaging can provide a reliable estimate of the native anterior cruciate ligament insertion site anatomy.

This study quantified the error in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insertion site location and area estimated from three-dimensional (3D) isotropic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by comparing to native insertion sites determined via 3D laser scanning. Isotropic 3D DESS MRI was acquired from twelve fresh-frozen, ACL-intact cadaver knees. ACL insertion sites were manually outlined in each MRI slice, and the resulting contours combined to determine the 3D insertion site shape. Specimens were then disarticulated, and the boundaries of the ACL insertion sites were digitized using a high-accuracy laser scanner. MRI and laser scan insertion sites were co-registered to determine the percent overlapping area and difference in insertion centroid location. Femoral ACL insertion site area averaged 112.7 ± 17.9 mm2 from MRI and 109.7 ± 10.9 mm2 from laser scan (p = 0.345). Tibial insertion area was 134.7 ± 22.9 mm2 from MRI and 135.2 ± 15.1 mm2 from laser scan (p = 0.881). Percentages of overlapping area between modalities were 82.2 ± 10.2% for femurs and 81.0 ± 9.0% for tibias. The root-mean-square differences for ACL insertion site centroids were 1.87 mm for femurs and 2.49 mm for tibias. The MRI-estimated ACL insertion site centroids were biased on average 0.6 ± 1.6 mm proximally and 0.3 ± 1.9 mm posteriorly for femurs, and 0.3 ± 1.1 mm laterally and 0.5 ± 1.5 mm anteriorly for tibias. Errors in ACL insertion site location and area estimated from 3D-MRI were determined via comparison with a high-accuracy 3D laser scanning. Results indicate that MRI can provide estimates of ACL insertion site area and centroid location with clinically applicable accuracy. MRI-based assessment can provide a reliable estimate of the native ACL anatomy, which can be helpful for surgical planning as well as assessment of graft tunnel placement.
Plasmonic enhanced polarization sensitive black phosphorus photodetection device

2D black phosphorus is good for use in photodetection devices due to its direct bandgap [1]. However, light absorptions in these 2D materials are often very low due to its ultra-thin nature. Numerical simulations were used to design and optimize the plasmonic structures. The optimized bowtie structure devices were fabricated on black phosphorus on transparent substrate. Photocurrent measurements showed strong light polarization dependence in our device (2 times difference), as well as stronger responsivity (6 times higher) compared with our previous work thanks to the enhanced light absorption by the plasmonic structure [2].
The Consequences of State Policy Ideology for Education and Inequality

The objective of this paper is twofold. First, I present a novel instrumental variable strategy to allow researchers to study the consequences of state policy liberalism in panel data. Second, I study the consequences of state policy liberalism on education and inequality from the 1940s to 2014. I find that state policy liberalism increased college graduation rate, and I find that, in contrast to the conventional wisdom, state policy liberalism did not reduce inequality, but, if anything, increased it.
Automated Vehicles and Transportation Justice

Despite numerous ethical examinations of automated vehicles, philosophers have neglected to address how these technologies will affect vulnerable people. To account for this lacuna, researchers must analyze how driverless cars could hinder or help social justice. In addition to thinking through these aspects, scholars must also pay attention to the extensive moral dimensions of automated vehicles, including how they will affect the public, nonhumans, future generations, and culturally significant artifacts. If planners and engineers undertake this task, then they will have to prioritize their efforts to avoid additional harm. The author shows how employing an approach called a “complex moral assessment” can help professionals implement these technologies into existing mobility systems in a just and moral fashion.
The hip control test is a valid and reliable measure of hip neuromuscular control.

Insufficient hip neuromuscular control may contribute to non-contact sport injuries. However, the current evaluative test of hip neuromuscular control, the single-leg squat, requires hip abductor m...
Infrared Hot-Electron Transistor Design Optimization

In this work, we discuss the optical and electrical properties of quantum well infrared photodetectors, and issues related to the design of an infrared hot-electron transistor.