cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disaggregating actors in intranational conflict

While some of the intrastate war literature calls for the disaggregation of civil conflict, most of those studies focus on the geography of civil conflict failing to take into account the various actors involved in such conflicts. This study addresses the multi-actor nature of civil conflict by examining whether ‘actor aggregation’ affects the inferences drawn from quantitative studies of civil conflict. Using two cases, Cambodia (1980—2004) and Indonesia (1980—2004), the authors examine how multiple dissident groups’ behavior aggregated together can affect the inferences drawn from quantitative studies of government—dissident interactions. The results demonstrate that researchers may draw different inferences and commit both Type I and Type II errors using different actor aggregations. The results have myriad implications for the study of civil conflict and conflict processes.
Temperature field of mass concrete in a pipe lattice

Removing heat from mass concrete at initial construction is important for assuring the quality of the concrete after curing. It serves two main purposes, preventing the excessive stress development...
Depression in adolescence

Major depressive disorder is a common problem for adolescents. It has a wide array of symptoms affecting somatic, cognitive, affective, and social processes. Academic failure, poor peer relationships, behavioral problems, conflict with parents and other authority figures, and substance abuse are some of the consequences of major depressive disorder in this age group. Effective treatments include nontricyclic antidepressants and coping skills training. The nurse is key to depression detection and suicide prevention, especially in primary care settings. Through psychoeducation, nurses can promote recovery from depression by encouraging a healthy lifestyle, enhancing social skills, and assisting the adolescent to identify and use sources of social support. These measures can prevent premature death and promote long-term well-being of the adolescent.
A Systematic Revision of the Genus Manekia (Piperaceae)

A systematic revision of the six nominal species of the Neotropical genus Manekia (Piperaceae) was completed after evaluation of morphological and molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses using four molecular markers (rpl32-trnLUAG spacer, psbj-petA intergenic intron regions 1 and 2, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)) provided little resolution among species, perhaps indicating recent evolutionary divergence. Canonical discriminant analyses using morphological data recovered three separate groups, here recognized as distinct species: Manekia incurva, Manekia obtusa, and Manekia urbanii. Significant discriminating characteristics included petiole vagination, number of primary veins, leaf apex shape, leaf base shape, presence of pellucid dots, and bract ciliation.
A Test of a Model of Consumers' Responses to Product Manual Safety Information1

Product manuals can play a role in marketplace safety and can enhance product utility (Celuch, Lust, and Showers, 1992). Given the current marketplace concern with such issues, it is surprising how little attention product manuals have received in published research. The present study blends theory and research from the threat communication and protective behavior literature as a starting point for the development of a conceptual framework relating to consumer responses to manual safety information. To this end, relationships among arousal, safety-related self-efficacy, behavioral intentions related to safety recommendations, and product use intention were examined and generally supported. Based on the findings of the study, several issues relevant to researchers and practitioners in the area are discussed.
Matrix crystals in cytologic urine specimens: observations on their mineral composition by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis and morphologic scanning electron microscopy.

Crystals consisting by light microscopy of organic matrix (matrix crystals) encountered in cytologic urine specimens of 8 patients were examined for mineral phase components by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDX) and by morphologic scanning electron microscopy (SEM) performed separately in four of the eight cases. Whenever possible (three cases) mineralized crystals present in these specimens were examined separately by SEM-EDX for comparison of mineral phase composition with that of the corresponding matrix forms. Although by SEM-EDX components of matrix, glass and slide preparation media interfere with the precise estimation of the mineral phase components, the results of this method supported by the SEM morphology suggest that crystals consisting of organic matrix include a mineral phase, the lattice structure of which provides them from the early stages of formation with the characteristic morphology of the fully mineralized forms. This also suggests that organic matrix plays a role in the nucleation of minerals during the formation of certain urinary crystals. Diagn Cytopathol 1994; 11:38–46. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Abstract 1989: The effect of resveratrol combined with DFMO or DenSpm on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and MCF-10a non-cancerous cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Resveratrol, (3,5,49-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), was first reported to act as a chemo-preventative anticancer compound in mice by Jang et al. in 1997. Resveratrol has been shown to induce apoptosis and reduce both cell viability and mitotic index in many cancer cell lines, including MCF-7. The current work extends these studies to determine its effects on glucose utilization and enzymes involved in polyamine metabolism. Glucose uptake was found to be reduced in MCF-7 cells treated with resveratrol. Work in other labs has shown resveratrol to sensitize cancer cells to other chemotherapeutic compounds. In the present study, the effects of combinations of resveratrol with compounds that affect polyamine metabolism, DFMO (difluoromethylornithine) and DenSpm (N1, N11-diethylnorspermine), were tested. Both DFMO and DenSpm were found to reduce cell proliferation and mitotic index in MCF-7 cell lines and more importantly, a synergistic effect was observed when these compounds were used in combination with resveratrol. In this investigation resveratrol was also found to induce apoptosis and reduce cell viability, mitotic index, and glucose uptake in non-cancerous, transformed mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10a). Similar findings have been reported with other non-cancerous cells including intestinal smooth muscle cells (Garcia et al., 2011). The combination of resveratrol and DFMO also reduced glucose uptake, proliferation, and mitotic index in this non-cancerous cell line (MCF-10a). These compounds were found to affect the expression of ODC (ornithine decarboxylase) and SSAT (spermidine/spermine acetyl transferase), enzymes involved in polyamine metabolism, and other proteins involved in cell cycle regulation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1989. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1989
Research Awards in the Society for Social Work and Research, 1996-2000:

In 1995, the Society for Social Work and Research developed an awards program for outstanding social work research scholarship. The purpose of this study is to describe 5 years of exemplary social work research. This article presents the results of a document analysis of 299 journal articles nominated for outstanding research awards between 1996 and 2000. Articles were rated on a variety of characteristics such as research design, method, and analysis strategy. The authors found that survey methods predominate among nominated articles. However, half the award-winning articles described studies involving experimental or comparison groups and the design of interventions. Compared with survey methods, intervention research, which should obtain high priority in a practice profession, is less frequently nominated. Similarly, compared with quantitative methods, qualitative articles, which hold potential for informing practice, are less frequently nominated. Profiling exemplary research can be useful for underst...
Numerical and experimental study on flame spread over conveyor belts in a large-scale tunnel

Abstract Conveyor belt fires in an underground mine pose a serious life threat to the miners. This paper presents numerical and experimental results characterizing a conveyor belt fire in a large-scale tunnel. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to simulate the flame spread over the conveyor belt in a mine entry. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) tests were conducted for the conveyor belt and results were used to estimate the kinetic properties for modeling the pyrolysis process of the conveyor belt burning. The CFD model was calibrated using results from the large-scale conveyor belt fire experiments. The comparison between simulation and test results shows that the CFD model is able to capture the major features of the flame spread over the conveyor belt. The predicted maximum heat release rate, and maximum smoke temperature are in good agreement with the large-scale tunnel fire test results. The calibrated CFD model can be used to predict the flame spread over a conveyor belt in a mine entry under different physical conditions and ventilation parameters to aid in the design of improved fire detection and suppression systems, mine rescue, and mine emergency planning.
Progesterone levels in the rabbit ovarian vein blood throughout pregnancy.

The importance of progesterone in maintaining pregnancy in the ovariectomized rabbit is well established. A more thorough understanding of the progestational function of the ovary was attempted through the direct measurement of the values of progesterone in the ovarian venous blood at various stages of pregnancy. Blood was extracted by a method similar to that of Butt and Zander. Qualitative identification and quantitation of progesterone was based on chromatography, U.V. absorption, isotope dilution and infra-red analysis. The concentration of progesterone was found to rise gradually to reach a peak of 2.36 μg/ml. at mid-pregnancy; this was followed by a gradual decline in the second half of the pregnancy, with consistent low values of about 0.41 μg/ml, two days prior to parturition. Similar determinations were made on peripheral blood. The curve was similar to that of the ovarian vein in its pattern but with lesser concentration. A ratio of about 1:5 was evident throughout.
Graduate Students' Social and Emotional Functioning Relative to Characteristics of Eating Disorders

The authors explored gender-based patterns of relations between social and emotional functioning and the behaviors empirically supported as being highly potent for eating disorders: drive to be thin and body dissatisfaction. Graduate students between 20 and 25 years of age served as participants. Correlation analyses revealed that for women, personal adjustment and internalizing behaviors had significant relations to drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction. Using hierarchical regression analysis, the authors found that self-esteem contributed to the most variation in the prediction of both outcome variables. A differing pattern emerged for men as drive for muscularity and hyperactivity were most strongly predictive of drive for thinness, but not body dissatisfaction. The authors discuss implications relative to T. L. Tylka and L. M. Subich's (2004) model.
Methodological overview: Some steps toward a central theory of ecosystem dynamics

Ecology is said by many to suffer for want of a central theory, such as Newton's laws of motion provide for classical mechanics or Schroedinger's wave equation provides for quantum physics. From among a plurality of contending laws to govern ecosystem behavior, the principle of increasing ascendency shows some early promise of being able to address the major questions asked of a theory of ecosystems, including, ''How do organisms come to be distributed in time and space?, what accounts for the log-normal distribution of species numbers?, and how is the diversity of ecosystems related to their stability, resilience and persistence?'' While some progress has been made in applying the concept of ascendency to the first issue, more work is needed to articulate exactly how it relates to the latter two. Accordingly, seven theoretical tasks are suggested that could help to establish these connections and to promote further consideration of the ascendency principle as the kernel of a theory of ecosystems.
Injury Biomechanics and Child Abuse

Child abuse is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young children and infants in the United States. Medical care providers, social services, and legal systems make critical decisions regarding injury and history plausibility daily. Injury plausibility judgments rely on evidence-based medicine, individualized experiences, and empirical data. A poor outcome may result if abuse is missed or an innocent family is accused, therefore evidence and science-based injury assessments are required. Although research in biomechanics has improved clinical understanding of injuries in children, much work is still required to develop a more scientific, rigorous approach to assessing injury causation. This article reviews key issues in child abuse and how injury biomechanics research may help improve accuracy in differentiating abuse from accidental events. Case-based biomechanical investigations, human surrogate, and computer modeling biomechanics research applied to child abuse injury are discussed. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of key research studies rather than on review or commentary articles. Limitations and future research needs are also reviewed.
Active Music Engagement with Emotional-Approach Coping to Improve Well-being in Liver and Kidney Transplant Recipients

Liver and kidney transplant recipients report elevated psychological distress following transplant in comparison to other types of organ transplant recipients. Negative affective states can lead to immune dysregulation and adverse health behaviors, and therefore may contribute to disease. In contrast, positive affective states can broaden individuals' thoughts and actions to promote the accumulation of coping resources. Coping strategies have traditionally been conceived of as being either problem-focused or emotion-focused in nature, while contemporary theory and research supports a different division: approach-oriented strategies versus avoidance-oriented strategies. Emotional expression and processing may function as an approach-oriented coping strategy. Emotional-approach coping relates to the use of emotional expression, awareness and understanding to facilitate coping with significant life stressors. The current study evaluated the impact of music therapy with and without a specific emphasis on emotional-approach coping. This randomized, controlled trial aimed to use Active Music Engagement with Emotional-Approach Coping to improve well-being in post-operative liver and kidney transplant recipients (N = 29). Results indicated that music therapy using Emotional-Approach Coping led to significant increases in positive affect, music therapy using Active Music Engagement led to significant decreases in pain, and both conditions led to significant decreases in negative affect, an indicator of perceived stress/anxiety.
Ag films on GaAs(110): dewetting and void growth

Abstract Scanning tunneling microscopy studies show that atomically flat but slightly corrugated films of Ag(111) can be produced by depositing ∼15 A of Ag on GaAs(110) at 40 K and then annealing at 300 K. These films are six layers thick, but they also contain voids that extend to the GaAs surface. Time-dependent imaging shows void growth due to spontaneous dewetting. Void growth is accompanied by the transfer of Ag atoms onto the terraces where elongated, single-height Ag islands formed, with patterns reflecting the corrugation of the Ag film. These results demonstrate that these films are thermodynamically unstable, and they reveal void growth and geometry for a multilayer film.
Experimental Studies on Stabilized Clays at Various Leaching Cycles

AbstractThe effectiveness of chemical stabilization and its permanency were investigated by subjecting chemically treated soils to leaching tests by internal water flushing, which simulates moisture ingress/digress into subsoils from rainfall events. Control and chemically stabilized soils from eight different locations were subjected to these leaching tests over 14 cycles in the laboratory. Each leaching cycle represents one pore volume of water flushed through the soil specimen. Leaching samples were collected after 3, 5, 7, and 14 cycles and were chemically analyzed to address pore fluid chemical composition changes and possible leaching of the chemical additives. Unconfined compressive strength tests were conducted on soil specimens after 3, 7, and 14 leaching cycles to study soil strength variations. The effects of soil type, stabilizer type and dosages, and the curing method on the leaching of stabilizers are analyzed. Test results and analyses indicate that leaching of stabilizer did occur, but the...
High Resolution Neutron Cross Sections

Current techniques in the measurement and analysis of high resolution neutron cross sections are reviewed. In the energy region in which the resonance structure is resolved, only for fissile target nuclei is the present situation unsatisfactory. This is attributed to insufficient data, particularly with respect to resonance spins. Fission fragment anisotropies are found to be correlated both with fission widths of the resonances and with the fission mass distribution, and such measurements are expected to be fundamental to resonance analysis. In the unresolved resonance region, the fissionable targets still are a major problem because of intermediate structure in fission. While a systematic approach to the problem is still lacking, the use of a runs statistic (following a suggestion by G. D. James) seems to hold promise.
Quantitative Methods for Assessing Drug Synergism

Two or more drugs that individually produce overtly similar effects will sometimes display greatly enhanced effects when given in combination. When the combined effect is greater than that predicted by their individual potencies, the combination is said to be synergistic. A synergistic interaction allows the use of lower doses of the combination constituents, a situation that may reduce adverse reactions. Drug combinations are quite common in the treatment of cancers, infections, pain, and many other diseases and situations. The determination of synergism is a quantitative pursuit that involves a rigorous demonstration that the combination effect is greater than that which is expected from the individual drug’s potencies. The basis of that demonstration is the concept of dose equivalence, which is discussed here and applied to an experimental design and data analysis known as isobolographic analysis. That method, and a related method of analysis that also uses dose equivalence, are presented in this brief review, which provides the mathematical basis for assessing synergy and an optimization strategy for determining the dose combination.
The HIV-1-Specific Protein Casp8p41 Induces Death of Infected Cells through Bax/Bak

Casp8p41, a novel protein generated when HIV-1 protease cleaves caspase 8, independently causes NF-κB activation, proinflammatory cytokine production, and cell death. Here we investigate the mechanism by which Casp8p41 induces cell death. Immunogold staining and electron microscopy demonstrate that Casp8p41 localizes to mitochondria of activated primary CD4 T cells, suggesting mitochondrial involvement. Therefore, we assessed the dependency of Casp8p41-induced death on Bax/Bak and caspase 9. In wild-type (WT) mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells, Casp8p41 causes rapid mitochondrial depolarization (P < 0.001), yet Casp8p41 expression in Bax/Bak double-knockout (DKO) MEF cells does not. Similarly, caspase 9-deficient T cells (JMR cells), which express Casp8p41, undergo minimal cell death, whereas reconstituting these cells with caspase 9 (F9 cells) restores Casp8p41 cytotoxicity (P < 0.01). The infection of caspase 9-deficient cells with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) HIV-1 reporter virus results in cell death in 32% of infected GFP-positive cells, while the restoration of caspase 9 expression in these cells restores infected-cell killing to 68% (P < 0.05), with similar levels of viral replication between infections. Our data demonstrate that Casp8p41 requires Bax/Bak to induce mitochondrial depolarization, which leads to caspase 9 activation following either Casp8p41 expression or HIV-1 infection. This understanding allows the design of strategies to interrupt this form of death of HIV-1-infected cells.
Wound management of chronic diabetic foot ulcers: From the basics to regenerative medicine:

Background:Hospital-based studies have shown that mortality rates in individuals with diabetic foot ulcers are about twice those observed in individuals with diabetes without foot ulcers.Objective:To assess the etiology and management of chronic diabetic foot ulcers.Study design:Literature review.Methods:Systematic review of the literature discussing management of diabetic foot ulcers. Since there were only a few randomized controlled trials on this topic, articles were selected to attempt to be comprehensive rather than a formal assessment of study quality.Results:Chronic nonhealing foot ulcers occur in approximately 15% of patients with diabetes. Many factors contribute to impaired diabetic wound healing. Risk factors include peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, limited joint mobility, foot deformities, abnormal foot pressures, minor trauma, a history of ulceration or amputation, and impaired visual acuity. With the current treatment for nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers, a significant numb...
Social Media Implementation: Directive To Action

This case is based on the authors’ external review of the development, design, and implementation of a social media project at the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF). Both public and private sector companies are seeking social media as an additional approach to engaging customers. The use of social media, in this case, will provide students with an opportunity to examine and analyze the issues and challenges encountered by MAIF and similar organizations’ foray into social media. The case immerses the reader in the development of a social media project, requiring project analysis, evaluating multiple solutions, and assessing the challenges posed by alternative approaches. Additionally, the reader will have to propose a planning strategy that will build support consensus among the varying stakeholders while aligning with MAIF’s mission. The case allows a professor to discuss possible solutions and encourage students to develop their own individual approaches. Students will be able to outline the objectives of the project and then provide a supporting strategy.
Carbon Nanomaterials: The Ideal Interconnect Technology for Next-Generation ICs

Carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons are two promising next-generation interconnect technologies. Electrical modeling and performance analysis have demonstrated the superiority of these emerging technologies compared to conventional copper interconnects, as this article explains.
A Power-Control Theory of Gender and Religiosity

The fact that women are more religious than men is one of the most consistent findings in the sociology of religion. Miller and Stark (2002) propose that a gender difference in risk preference of physiological origin might explain this phenomenon. While acknowledging the utility of their risk-preference mechanism, we believe that their assumption regarding the genesis of this difference is a premature concession to biology. Returning to Miller's original paper on gender, risk, and religiosity, we draw on power-control theory (PCT), developed in the work of John Hagan and colleagues, to introduce a plausible socialization account for these differences. We evaluate these claims using data from the General Social Survey. Women raised by high-socioeconomic status (SES) mothers are less religious than women raised by low-education mothers, but mother's SES has little effect on men's chances of being irreligious and father's SES has a negligible effect on the gender difference in religiosity.
Brain-(not) Based Education: Dangers of Misunderstanding and Misapplication of Neuroscience Research

Oversimplification or inappropriate interpretation of complex neuroscience research is widespread among curricula claiming that brain-based approaches are effective for improved learning and retention. We examine recent curricula claiming to be based on neuroscience research, discuss the implications of such misinterpretation for special education, how neuroscience actually supports many traditional teaching methods, and suggest ways to foster more accurate understanding of neuroscience research and its potential for application in the special education classroom.
Methodological Consensus in Smooth Pursuit Eye Movements: Workshop Contributions Smooth Pursuit Impairment in Schizophrenia—What Does It Mean?

The significance and nature of smooth pursuit impairments in schizophrenia are considered. Studies of potential artifacts show that the phenomenon is not due to medications, age, inattention, or poor motivation. Abnormal pursuit eye movements in schizophrenics consist of intrusive saccades which are present during any visually guided slow eye movements, and in some patients are related to nonvoluntary attention. These results rule out a generalized motor or oculumotor dysfunction, as well as a specific pursuit system dysfunction. The findings are consistent with a cortical dysfunction which results in saccadic disinhibition. Questions are raised for future research.
Neural orchestration of mate-choice plasticity in songbirds

Females may choose between prospective mates based on signals that reflect male quality. In songbirds, variation in male song can be such a signal. Females can adjust their choosiness according to the prevalence of preferred song, presumably because environmental variation can influence the availability of preferred phenotypes. Studies using induction of the immediate early gene ZENK (also called zif-268, egr-1, NGFI-A, and Krox-24) as an indicator of neuronal activity have revealed that the caudomedial mesopallium (CMM) and caudomedial nidopallium (NCM) of the female auditory forebrain are sensitive to song quality and respond proportionally to the strength of the female’s choosiness. In European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), long songs are preferred by females and induce higher ZENK expression in the CMM and NCM compared to short songs. Experimentally reducing the perceived prevalence of long songs in the environment reduces this forebrain sensitivity to song length, raising the possibility that the songbird auditory forebrain integrates information about the social environment that enables the female to adjust her choosiness according to the availability of preferred phenotypes. In some songbird species, the noradrenergic system modulates mate-choice behavior, modulates song-induced auditory forebrain activity, and itself is modulated by the prevailing song environment, suggesting a possible role for this system in mediating the effects of social environment on forebrain and behavioral sensitivity to mate-choice cues. The presence of such a system would seem beneficial when the availability of preferred mates varies.
Differential Regulation of Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Male Siberian Hamsters by Exposure to Females and Photoperiod

Siberian hamsters have decreased gonadotropin levels and testis size after short-day (SD) exposure. Upon transfer from short to long days, FSH and testis weight increase rapidly, whereas LH and T remain low for much longer. We investigated whether an additional environmental stimulus, specifically a female, could trigger an earlier release of LH and whether the response to the female was dependent on photoperiod. An increase in serum LH was induced in long day (LD), but not SD, males within minutes of female exposure. The ability of SD males to secrete LH upon female exposure was regained within 4 d of photostimulation. FSH was not secreted after female exposure, but varied with photoperiod. Thus, FSH and LH are differentially regulated by photoperiod and female exposure. In subsequent studies melatonin injections and a GnRH antagonist were used to show that photoperiod modulates the endocrine responsiveness of a male to a female via melatonin and that female-induced LH release is GnRH dependent. Collectively, these results suggest separation of gonadotropin signaling pathways by environmental stimuli and provide an excellent model to elucidate the effects of photoperiod on the processing of social and chemosensory inputs to the GnRH neurons of the hypothalamus.
Overlapping effector interfaces define the multiple functions of the HIV-1 Nef polyproline helix

HIV-1 Nef is a multifunctional protein required for full pathogenicity of the virus. As Nef has no known enzymatic activity, it necessarily functions through protein-protein interaction interfaces. A critical Nef protein interaction interface is centered on its polyproline segment (P69VRPQVPLRP78) which contains the helical SH3 domain binding protein motif, PXXPXR. We hypothesized that any Nef-SH3 domain interactions would be lost upon mutation of the prolines or arginine of PXXPXR. Further, mutation of the non-motif “X” residues, (Q73, V74, and L75) would give altered patterns of inhibition for different Nef/SH3 domain protein interactions. We found that mutations of either of the prolines or the arginine of PXXPXR are defective for Nef-Hck binding, Nef/activated PAK2 complex formation and enhancement of virion infectivity (EVI). Mutation of the non-motif “X” residues (Q, V and L) gave similar patterns of inhibition for Nef/activated PAK2 complex formation and EVI which were distinct from the pattern for Hck binding. These results implicate an SH3 domain containing protein other than Hck for Nef/activated PAK2 complex formation and EVI. We have also mutated Nef residues at the N-and C-terminal ends of the polyproline segment to explore interactions outside of PXXPXR. We discovered a new locus GFP/F (G67, F68, P69 and F90) that is required for Nef/activated PAK2 complex formation and EVI. MHC Class I (MHCI) downregulation was only partially inhibited by mutating the PXXPXR motif residues, but was fully inhibited by mutating the C-terminal P78. Further, we observed that MHCI downregulation strictly requires G67 and F68. Our mutational analysis confirms the recently reported structure of the complex between Nef, AP-1 μ1 and the cytoplasmic tail of MHCI, but does not support involvement of an SH3 domain protein in MHCI downregulation. Nef has evolved to be dependent on interactions with multiple SH3 domain proteins. To the N- and C- terminal sides of the polyproline helix are multifunctional protein interaction sites. The polyproline segment is also adapted to downregulate MHCI with a non-canonical binding surface. Our results demonstrate that Nef polyproline helix is highly adapted to directly interact with multiple host cell proteins.
Space-Charge Wavegrowth and Propagation on a Relativistic Electron Beam

A study into the growth and propagation of space charge waves on relativistic electron beams is currently in progress. The waves are grown by transporting an annular beam (180-200 kV, 0.8-1 kA, 300-400 ns) through a disc loaded cavity system. Measurements of the R. F. signal inside the slow wave structure and at both ends of this region show the presence of backward as well as forward space charge waves. In addition measurements of the average drift velocity of the beam electrons show high energy losses to the cavity system. Interactions between the beam, the cavity system, and at the discontinuity between the cavities and the uniform drift tube produce both fast and slow waves. Results showing this aspect of the wavegrowth processes and their effect on beam propagation are reported. The relevance of the results to collective acceleration are discussed.
Does reflux in orthotopic diversion matter? A randomized prospective comparison of the Studer and T-pouch ileal neobladders

Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction has become a standard form of urinary diversion in many centers for patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. There is still controversy about the best technique for construction of the neobladder, and especially whether it is necessary to include an antireflux mechanism. We designed a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing two forms of ileal neobladder: the Studer pouch and the T-pouch. The latter includes an extraserosal tunneled afferent limb which prevents reflux from the pouch to the kidneys. The primary endpoint of the study is renal function and anatomy at 3 years following surgery, with secondary endpoints including early and late postoperative complications, renal infections and need for secondary procedures. To date we have randomized 462 patients over approximately 6 years, with a planned full enrollment of 550 patients. Ten percent of patients have been withdrawn because they did not undergo the planned orthotopic diversion due to a positive urethral margin on frozen section. We expect approximately 70% of patients to be alive and available for follow-up at 3 years, which will give us ample power to detect clinically meaningful differences in the outcome of these two diversions. This trial has been feasible and randomization has been acceptable to most patients. Long-term follow-up of the patients on this trial should be able to definitively answer the question of the importance of an antireflux mechanism in the orthotopic neobladders construction.
Anytime synthetic projection: maximizing the probability of goal satisfaction

This paper presents a projection algorithm for incremental control rule synthesis. The algorithm synthesizes an initial set of goal-achieving control rules using a combination of situation probability and estimated remaining work as a search heuristic. This set of control rules has a certain probability of satisfying the given goal. The probability is incrementally increased by synthesizing additional control rules to handle "error" situations the execution system is likely to encounter when following the initial control rules. By using situation probabilities the algorithm achieves a computationally effective balance between the limited robustness of triangle tables and the absolute robustness of universal plans.
Changing Marriage Role Expectations: 1961–1996

The present study is an update of a longitudinal study of marriage role expectations begun in 1961. Data collected in 1990 and 1996 have been added to the data set, allowing for comparisons of female college students' marriage role expectations from 1961, 1972, 1978, 1984, 1990, and 1996. Comparisons include the females' traditional vs. egalitarian expectations for their marriage overall as well as on the seven subscales of authority, homemaking, child care, personal characteristics, social participation, education, and employment and support. There were significant changes toward more egalitarian expectations overall and on all subscales except authority from 1961 to 1972. Since 1972, the only significant changes were on the subscales of authority, homemaking, and child care, with no significant changes on any subscales or on overall expectations since 1978.
Mental Fatigability and Heart Rate Variability in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objectives Adaptive physiological stress regulation is rarely studied in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Here we targeted mental fatigability (MF) as a determinant of altered high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) reactivity in individuals with MCI, and examined frontobasal ganglia circuitry as a neural basis supporting the link between MF and HF-HRV reactivity. Methods We measured mental fatigability and HF-HRV during a 60-minute cognitive stress protocol in 19 individuals with MCI. HF-HRV responses were modeled using a quadratic equation. Resting state functional connectivity of intra- and inter-network frontobasal ganglia circuitry was assessed using blood-oxygen-level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging among seven of the participants. Results Lower MF was associated with faster and greater rebound in U-shape HF-HRV reactivity, which linked to a stronger connectivity between right middle frontal gyrus and left putamen. Conclusions Results suggest that MF may contribute to abnormal physiological stress regulation in MCI, and fronto basal ganglia circuitry may support the link.
Nontraumatic orbital floor fracture after nose blowing

A 40-year-old woman with no history of trauma or prior surgery presented to the emergency department with headache and left eye pain after nose blowing. Noncontrast maxillofacial computed tomography examination revealed an orbital floor fracture that ultimately required surgical repair. There are nontraumatic causes of orbital blowout fractures, and imaging should be obtained irrespective of trauma history.
LONG-TERM MORTALITY BENEFIT OF EARLY CORONARY REVASCULARIZATION VERSUS MEDICAL THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITHOUT KNOWN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE UNDERGOING CORONARY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY: RESULTS FROM CONFIRM REGISTRY

The long-term survival benefit of early revascularization for high-risk coronary artery disease (CAD) detected by coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is unknown. We examined 5544 stable angina patients (mean age 60±12, 63% male) without known CAD undergoing CCTA who were followed for
Active sites on Ti-Ce mixed metal oxides for reactive adsorption of thiophene and its derivatives: A DFT study

Density functional theory was used to investigate the mechanistic aspects of the adsorption of sulfur-containing compounds over Ti–Ce mixed metal oxides. We elucidate the promotional effect of the Ce dopant on TiO2 and report the importance of oxygen vacancy-bound molecular oxygen as an active site on Ti–Ce mixed metal oxides for adsorption of thiophenic sulfur. The presence of surface-activated molecular oxygen leads to the oxidation of the sulfur, thus providing strongly bound sulfoxide and sulfone species. Ce doping of TiO2 makes the oxidation process feasible both thermodynamically and kinetically. Surface oxygen vacancy sites act as catalytic sites in an adsorption cycle. DRIFTS results corroborate the presence of vacancy bound molecular oxygen. Our DFT calculations also examine thiophene and methyl-, dimethyl-, benzo-, and dibenzothiophenes adsorbed on TiO2 and Ce-doped TiO2 (001), (101), and (100) surfaces.
An Article III Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand: A Critical Race Perspective on the U.S. Supreme Court's Standing Jurisprudence

Article III of the U.S. Constitution requires standing to sue for federal subject matter jurisdiction over a case. Under the modern test for standing, plaintiffs must show that they suffered some concrete and imminent injury-in-fact as a result of the illegal conduct of the defendant. While many scholars and judges have critiqued the U.S. Supreme Court's development and application of the injury-in-fact requirement, relatively little attention has been paid to disturbing racial double standards in the Court's standing jurisprudence. When racial minorities have brought equal protection challenges against programmatic governmental discrimination, the Court has applied standing doctrine strictly. But when white plaintiffs have brought equal protection challenges against racial remediation programs, the Court has continually relaxed standing requirements. This Comment seeks to illustrate and analyze this racial divide by comparing Supreme Court cases raising the issue of standing in the equal protection context. Applying a Critical Race Theory perspective, this Comment ultimately concludes that this racial contradiction in standing doctrine stems from the Court's modern doctrinal push to uproot de jure racial discrimination and to leave de facto racial discrimination alone. Consequently, this Comment suggests either correcting the resulting double standard in standing requirements or eliminating the injury-in-fact requirement altogether.
comparison of saline-linked radiofrequency dissecting sealer(TissueLink) and cut ultrasound aspiration(CUSA) in hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective To evaluate the value of TissueLink and CUSA in hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods TissueLink was used in hepatectomy for 68 hepatocellular carcinoma patients(TissueLink group,T group);whereas,CUSA was used in 78 patients(CUSA group,C group).The clinical data of T group and C group were retrospectively analyzed.The operation time,the volume of hemorrhage,intraoperative blood transfusion and post-operative blood transfusion,post-operative serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and total bilirubin(TB) were observed and compared.Results Operation time was significantly shortened in T group than in C group [(281.8±84.40) min vs(322.3±105.06) min,(P0.05)].The amount of bleeding volume was significantly lower in T group than that in C group [median 450 mL(100～3 900) mL vs 800 mL(100～5 400) mL,(P0.01)].The amount of intraoperative and peri-operative blood transfusion were significantly lower in T group than in those in C group,the medians being [0 mL(0～2 400) mL vs 100 mL(0～2 700) mL,(P0.05)] and 400 mL(0～3 300) mL vs 500 mL(0～3 500) mL,(P0.01),respectively.On the 3rd and 5th day of operation,serum total bilirubin levels were significantly lower in T group than that in C group.Conclusions TissueLink is more favorable than CUSA,for it reduces operation time and the volume of intraoperative bleeding and blood transfusion,also it causes less post-operative hepaticimpairment.
Sinkapater -An Untethered Beat Sequencer.

This paper provides an overview of a new method for approaching beat sequencing. As we have come to know them drum machines provide means to loop rhythmic patterns over a certain interval. Usually with the option to specify different beat divisions. What I developed and propose for consideration is a rethinking of the traditional drum machine confines. The Sinkapater is an untethered beat sequencer in that the beat division, and the loop length can be arbitrarily modified for each track. The result is the capability to create complex syncopated patterns which evolve over time as different tracks follow their own loop rate. To keep cohesion all channels can be locked to a master channel forcing a loop to be an integer number of "Master Beats". Further a visualization mode enables exploring the patterns in another new way. Using synchronized OpenGL a 3-Dimensional environment visualizes the beats as droplets falling from faucets of varying heights determined by the loop length. Waves form in the bottom as beats splash into the virtual "sink". By combining compelling visuals and a new approach to sequencing a new way of exploring beats and experiencing music has been created.
Risking life and limb in the global economy: Scrap metal price and landmine/UXO incidents in Cambodia

Abstract Collecting leftover landmines and UXO to sell them to metal scrap yards is an important source of cash income for many people in former theaters of military conflict. It also exposes the scrappers to bodily harm. While the role of financial incentives is recognized by landmine/UXO action organizations, the impact of economic factors on the prevalence of landmine/UXO incidents has not yet been subjected to quantitative analysis. In this paper we address this gap by estimating the elasticity of landmine/UXO incidents in Cambodia with respect to the scrap metal price. We hypothesize that handling landmine/UXO for scrapping purposes (tampering) is price elastic while handling for non-financial purposes or unwitting encounters (accidents) is price inelastic. We test these hypotheses using a unique monthly scrap metal price series collected from final scrapyards on the Thai border. Our study finds supporting evidence for both hypotheses: the elasticity of tampering is unitary while the elasticity of accidents is not different from zero. An important component of mitigating landmine/UXO incidents in Cambodia is the removal of explosive ordnance by specialized teams in situ after these explosive remnants of war are discovered and reported by local villagers. Our findings suggest that the success of these operations requires rewarding villagers by giving them claim over the metal fragments or paying them a competitive price for metal because otherwise villagers would have less of an incentive to report discovered ordnance.
Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair is safe in elderly patients

Paraesophageal hernias (PEHs) occur frequently in the elderly. Patients may not be referred for repair due to age or concern for high operative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of PEH repair based on age. Adult patients undergoing PEH repair between 2003 and 2012 at a tertiary referral center were included. Patients were divided by age (Y 80). Body mass index (BMI), Charlson comorbidity index, operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, recurrence, Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia Questionnaire (QOLRAD) scores, morbidity and mortality were analyzed. Two hundred and sixty-seven patients were included: Group Y N = 140 (median age 58.5); Group YO N = 82 (median age 75.0); and Group VO N = 45 (median age 83.0). Group Y had a significantly lower age-adjusted Charlson score compared to the older groups. Group VO had significantly lower BMIs compared to Groups Y and YO. Both groups had similar operative times, intraoperative blood loss and rates of Collis gastroplasty. Group Y had significantly less acute presentations compared to the elderly groups YO 12.2 %, p = 0.028, and VO 22.2 %, p = <0.001. Group Y had a smaller percentage of intrathoracic stomach (55.7 %) as compared to Groups YO (65.1 %; p = 0.001) and VO (74.3 %; p = < 0.001). There were no significant differences in mortalities between all three groups. The mean length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in Group Y (2.45) than in both Group YO (3.12; p = 0.001) and Group VO (5.13; p = <0.001). Major morbidity was significantly lower in the younger group 3.6 % when compared to Group VO (17.8 %; p = 0.001). All groups demonstrated significant improvement in QOLRAD scores. The decision to perform laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (LPEHR) in elderly patients remains challenging. LPEHR can be done safely and effectively in elderly patients at experienced centers.
Ultrasonic signal noise reduction processing in borehole imaging application

Ultrasonic imaging instruments are routinely used for formation fracture, stratigraphie dip, and borehole shape determination. Pulse-echo transducers measure the properties of the echoes reflected from the formation, and the signal amplitude and travel time are typically displayed as a circumferential image of the borehole wall. However, a significant interference pattern can be generated when the electroacoustic ringdown of the transducer interferes with low amplitude echoes. In this paper, an image signal processing technique based on borehole fluid/eccentricity correction and median filtering is applied to extract the interference pattern. The proposed processing provides a good noise reduction, preserving formation features.
Uncertainty Quantification of Calculated Temperatures for Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Irradiation Experiments

This paper presents the quantification of uncertainty of the calculated temperature data for the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) fuel irradiation experiments conducted in the Advanced Test Reactor at Id...